Dating Violence Surges 42% After First Identity Disclosure Case; Detention Rate Remains 2%

In May, the identity of a man in his 60s who murdered his girlfriend was disclosed for the first time since the implementation of the 'Serious Crime Identity Disclosure Act.' The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Disclosure Committee cited the brutality and severity of the crime, as well as the preventive effect on similar offenses for the public good, in releasing Park Hak-sun's name, age, and mugshot.

In court, Park Hak-sun's defense claimed the act was impulsive. However, the prosecution argued it was a murder driven by obsession and a callous disregard for human life, seeking the death penalty. The first-instance court sentenced him to life imprisonment for permanent societal isolation. The appellate court in April 2025 upheld the life sentence, acknowledging the intent to kill. The victims' family expressed dissatisfaction, finding the sentences too lenient in both instances.

Following this case, incidents of dating violence are reported to have increased by 42%. While overall murder cases decreased from 1,095 in 2018 to 757 in 2022, murders where the perpetrator was a romantic partner rose from 68 to 74. The number of suspects arrested for dating violence increased from 9,823 in 2019 to 13,939 in 2023, but the detention rate remained around 2% during the same period. It is pointed out that the rate of these violent crimes leading to detention is only 2%, underscoring the urgent need for measures to prevent recurrence.

There were legal gaps, such as the Domestic Violence Punishment Act only applying to married couples or cohabiting partners. Discussions for a special law on preventing dating violence have continued, but specific legislation has been slow. A bill passed by the National Assembly's Gender Equality and Family Committee in September 2025 includes provisions to protect victims of dating violence alongside stalking victims. The Daechi-dong incident, where the words 'Let's break up' led to the deaths of two people, starkly illustrates the potentially fatal consequences of obsession and anger in romantic relationships. While legal measures to protect victims took over a year to be established, similar incidents continued to occur.