Arrests for sexual assault South Korea 2013-2023

In 2023, the number of sexual assault arrests in South Korea amounted to around 21,531 cases, showing an increase from the previous two years. The figures have been fluctuating in the past few years.

Increase in sex crimes in South Korea

Sexual assault refers to a range of physical and psychological violations that occur without the explicit consent of the victim, which includes serious offenses such as rape and attempted rape, as well as various forms of indecent acts carried out through coercion. In recent years, South Korea has witnessed a spike in these crimes, despite the country scoring relatively high on the order and security index within the Asia-Pacific region. This increase is particularly alarming with regard to molka, a term referring to illegal secret filming, commonly involving hidden cameras used to capture non-consensual images and videos of individuals in private settings. 

Government policies and law enforcement

The issue of sexual violence resonates deeply within South Korean society, with a significant number of women identifying it as one of the most critical social challenges. Despite this acknowledgment, the legal framework surrounding sexual offenses remains comparatively lenient by international standards. Many sex offenders receive punishments that do not adequately reflect the severity of their crimes. A recent survey found that nearly 70 percent of South Koreans expressed dissatisfaction with the government's crime prevention policies.