Arrests for all offenses South Korea 2011-2023

In 2023, the number of arrests in South Korea amounted to about 1.19 million cases, an increase from around 1.13 million cases in the previous year. Overall, the number of arrests in recent years fluctuated during the survey period, with a peak recorded in the year 2016. 

Increasing sexual harassment

South Korea has experienced an increase in sexual assault in recent years. In particular, videos and recordings that were filmed without the consent of both parties were the cause of much distress and social outrage. The South Korean government continued to enact new digital crime laws to deter and punish such deviant acts. While sexually harassing unsuspecting individuals, spycams were the main tool used, and more perpetrators were identified over the years, resulting from the use of the cameras.

A crackdown on drugs

Another type of crime that was on the rise was crime related to drugs. South Korean society leans more towards the conservative, but even as drug related arrests increase, the opinion on drugs seems to be loosening, especially among the younger generation. The have been more reports of young Korean celebrities, especially those in the music industry, being charged for the possession or use of marijuana in recent years. Also, there were increased reports of attempted drug trafficking.