Seoul: Stalking crimes have increased in the past three years since the enactment of the anti-stalking law in 2021, a lawmaker said, citing government data.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the number of such crimes stood at 13,283 last year, up 26 percent from 10,545 cases in 2022. This information was provided by the Office for Government Policy Coordination and submitted to Rep. Huh Young of the ruling Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, 12,995 people were apprehended for such crimes in 2024, marking a 30 percent increase from 9,999 in 2022. The anti-stalking law, which took effect in October 2021, imposes penalties of up to three years in prison, while offenders carrying weapons face a maximum five-year term. Previously, stalking was considered a misdemeanor.

Rep. Huh Young called for a more active government response against these crimes, pointing out that the justice ministry's execution rate of its budget last year, which was designated for strengthening the response to stalking crimes, stood at only 20.9 percent. He emphasized the gravity of the issue by stating, "Stalking crimes are no longer just conflicts between individuals but social disasters that the state must take responsibility for and resolve."