Sentenced to a Fine for Sending 92 Messages and Visiting the Victim's Home in a Single Day
Court Cites "Repeated and Continuous Contact Despite Clear Refusal"
The court has fined a man in his 60s, referred to as Mr. A, 10 million won for sending more than 90 messages a day and even visiting the victim's home, despite her clear refusal. The ruling was based on the fact that Mr. A continued his stalking behavior even after the victim expressed her unwillingness, causing her fear and anxiety.
On May 12, Judge Lee Jangwook of the Ulsan District Court's Criminal Division 3 announced that Mr. A, who was tried on charges of violating the Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes, was sentenced to a fine of 10 million won.
The Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes was enacted in October 2021. The key requirements for punishment are 'continuity' and 'repetition.' Stalking refers to acts such as approaching, blocking the path of, waiting for, or watching the victim, their family, or cohabitants against their will and without just cause, including loitering at or near their residence.
If stalking crimes are committed repeatedly, the maximum penalty is three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. If a weapon is used, the maximum penalty increases to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.
In May last year, Mr. A was indicted for sending messages to Ms. B, a woman in her 40s, 92 times in a single day via mobile messenger, from early morning until night, and for visiting her home.
Mr. A had known Ms. B for ten years and expressed his affection for her. However, Ms. B felt that Mr. A was becoming obsessed with her and told him to "stop contacting me," clearly rejecting him. Despite this, Mr. A did not stop reaching out to her.
The court explained the sentencing by stating, "The defendant repeatedly and continuously contacted and visited the victim despite her unwillingness, causing her anxiety and fear."
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