Rising Cyberflashing Cases Spark Concern in South Korea

The rise of digital technology has brought about numerous conveniences, but it has also paved the way for new forms of harassment, with “cyberflashing” causing significant concern in South Korea. This controversial act of sending unsolicited sexual images through digital platforms is increasingly affecting social media users in the region.

Reports from the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, along with the Women’s Human Rights Institute of Korea, highlight a troubling trend. In just five years, the number of individuals seeking assistance due to cyber harassment has nearly doubled, from 251 in 2018 to 500 in 2023. This alarming increase showcases the growing reach and impact of cyberflashing and other digital sex crimes.

Chae Yoon-ji, 28, shared her distressing experience with The Korea Herald. In 2023, she fell victim to cyberflashing via Apple’s AirDrop feature. “I was so surprised that I dropped my phone,” Chae recounted. “I also felt embarrassed because I was scared that someone would see my screen.” The anonymous nature of the attack, which occurred while she was using the subway, added to her sense of helplessness as she looked around, unable to identify the perpetrator.

Apple has since updated its AirDrop feature to limit sharing capabilities to contacts only. Despite this enhancement, Ms. Chae has chosen to disable the feature altogether, fearing a repeat incident.

Legal experts criticize the current penalties for cyberflashing, which often result in minimal consequences for offenders. Lawyer Kwak Joon-ho pointed out that the difficulty in tracking down perpetrators contributes to the low number of reports. Even when culprits are apprehended, first-time offenders typically face only fines. For repeat offenders, the penalties depend on provable anxiety and fear in their victims, although the standards for such proof remain ambiguous.

The concerns raised by figures like Chae Yoon-ji and Kwak Joon-ho underscore the urgent need for clearer legal standards and stronger enforcement against cyberflashing, as South Korea grapples with the challenges of protecting its citizens in an increasingly digital world.