[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A man in his 20s who repeatedly rang the doorbell at his ex-girlfriend's house late at night has been subjected to the newly enacted Stalking Punishment Act.
On the 22nd, Jeonbuk Jeonju Deokjin Police Station announced that they have booked and are investigating Mr. A (25) without detention on charges of violating the Stalking Punishment Act.
Mr. A is accused of visiting his ex-girlfriend Ms. B's house in Deokjin-gu, Jeonju City, at around 1:30 a.m. on the 21st and repeatedly ringing the doorbell.
Police who responded to Ms. B's report warned Mr. A, saying, "If you keep coming or ringing the bell despite the other party's refusal, you may be punished."
However, about an hour later, Mr. A reportedly visited Ms. B's house again and repeated the same behavior. Upon receiving the second report, the police who arrived on the scene arrested Mr. A in flagrante delicto.
Previously, stalking crimes were classified as "continuous harassment" under the Minor Offenses Act and only carried a fine of 80,000 won. However, with the enforcement of the Stalking Punishment Act starting yesterday, those who repeatedly commit stalking crimes can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. Additionally, if the crime is committed while carrying a weapon, the offender can be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Stalking behavior refers to acts such as ▲ approaching or blocking the path of the victim or their family members or cohabitants without justifiable reason against their will ▲ waiting or watching near the residence or its vicinity.
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