Chinese Women Paying 2 Million Won to the 'White Mafia' for Safe Breakups

China's Professional Security Teams Popular for Safe Breakups
Known as 'White Mafia,' Protecting Women
Average Cost Around 2 Million Won...Positive Reactions from Netizens

In China, the number of women hiring personal security teams called "White Mafia" for safe breakups with their partners is increasing. On the 18th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "Recently, professional security teams known as 'White Mafia' have gained great popularity on Chinese social networking services (SNS)." They protect women in distress with good intentions through methods such as intimidation and persuasion. The team members have diverse backgrounds, including retired military officers, athletes, and businesspeople.

Members of the popular 'White Mafia' security team in China. Baidu

Seventy percent of the customers using the "White Mafia" service are women aged 25 to 35, who reportedly request help through SNS. The cost varies depending on the type and duration of the service, but the average is around 10,000 yuan (approximately 1.97 million KRW). A male member of the security team, Lei, said, "It was first established in 2018 to protect celebrities and public figures. Since 2022, many people have started seeking help for personal issues." He explained, "Because there were problems that could not be solved by traditional methods due to legal loopholes, we began helping the vulnerable in our own way."

Lei shared a story with SCMP about a female client who went to court to divorce her abusive husband. According to him, as soon as she left the divorce court, her husband retaliated by throwing sulfuric acid at her. At that time, the White Mafia protected the woman with an umbrella.

He also said, "A young woman wanted to break up with her boyfriend, but he subjected her to physical and verbal abuse and even threatened to leak private photos." This woman requested security services for 20,000 yuan (approximately 3.95 million KRW) and was able to end the relationship safely.

He added, "Our service always complies with the law," and "If customers need it, we contact the police or guide and support them to receive legal assistance." Netizens who experienced the service responded positively, saying things like "True private police," "I hope the team grows bigger and stronger," and "A place that uses legal means to protect the vulnerable in legal blind spots."

In South Korea, the number of people seeking safe breakups is also increasing. According to the National Police Agency, the number of suspects arrested for dating violence last year was 13,939, a 55.7% increase compared to 8,951 in 2020. However, dating violence is not subject to the Stalking Punishment Act or the Domestic Violence Punishment Act. As a result, safe breakup agency services have also emerged. In fact, it is not difficult to find posts online offering everything from counseling and scenario creation to delivering breakup notices on behalf of clients. However, caution is needed as creating a coercive atmosphere to force a breakup can cause problems.