Available for unrestricted purchase on open markets and secondhand markets
Damage to property and personal injury sometimes occur due to misuse
No related regulations such as the Firearms Act... Slingshots also remain in a blind spot
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The mechanical bow used for hunting and recreational activities, known as the "Compound Bow," features pulleys at both ends, allowing the bowstring to be drawn with relatively little force while delivering great power. An incident occurred where an arrow fired accidentally from a compound bow at an archery range 120 meters away pierced through the door of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and embedded itself in a child car seat. Despite its destructive power, there are no regulations regarding possession, prompting calls for necessary measures.
On the 2nd, typing "compound bow" into portal sites easily reveals sales listings. Prices vary widely from around 100,000 won to several million won, with no restrictions on purchase. Sellers list various specifications such as weight and promote the products as highly popular overseas. Some sellers even advertise them as "bows that women and teenagers can use with little difficulty." Used compound bows are also traded online. On a secondhand trading site, about 17 listings have been posted since the 23rd of last month, with 5 already sold. One used seller said, "People interested in buying keep contacting me," adding, "If the price is right, I will ship the item immediately."
As compound bows have become easily accessible to anyone, misuse has led to casualties. On the 24th of last month, a 16-year-old boy identified as A was arrested on the spot for shooting a compound bow at his father during an argument. A had purchased the compound bow himself. The father, who sustained an abdominal injury, underwent suturing surgery and fortunately is reported to be out of danger.
Current laws on the safety management of firearms, swords, and explosives do not include any regulations on compound bows. This contrasts with restrictions on the purchase and storage of firearms and swords, including crossbows of similar power. A police official stated, "When the Firearms and Swords Act was created, it did not include regulations on compound bows," adding, "There are currently no plans to regulate them."
In addition to compound bows, slingshots also fall into a regulatory blind spot, leading to misuse. In May last year, a man in his 30s fired steel balls from a slingshot at vehicles mobilized during a rally in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, breaking windows. Slingshots, which use high-elasticity rubber bands, can cause serious injuries if fired at people, but they are also excluded from management under the Firearms and Swords Act. Professor Kwak Dae-kyung of Dongguk University's Department of Police Administration explained, "There needs to be a system to properly control and manage tools like compound bows that can cause serious injuries when used against people," and added, "Measures such as recording the purchaser's personal information and intended use should be devised."
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