Women's rights group finds that one woman per day was killed or attacked in 2025
Published: 08 Mar. 2026, 16:04
![Members of civic organizations are seen during a rally commemorating International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, in front of Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 7. [NEWS1]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/08/f537360e-0eda-47a8-bcd3-c324233b2f5b.jpg)
Members of civic organizations are seen during a rally commemorating International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, in front of Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District, central Seoul, on March 7. [NEWS1]
At least 137 women were killed by their intimate male partners last year, according to a new analysis released by the Korea Women’s Hot-Line (KWHL). When including the women who survived the murder attempts, the report indicates that an average of one woman per day was either killed or at risk of being killed.
The KWHL released its findings on Friday, two days before International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8 every year. The report was compiled by analyzing incidents reported in the media between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 last year.
At least 137 women were killed by their male partners last year, and at least 252 survived attempted murder or similar attacks, according to the analysis.
“At least one woman was killed or at risk of being killed by an intimate male partner every 22.5 hours,” the KWHL said.
When including the people who were near those who were killed or attacked at the time of the incident, the total number of victims rises to at least 673, with someone being emotionally or physically harmed at least once every 13 hours.
The victims comprised all age groups. Of 256 cases in which the victim's age was confirmed, women in their 30s accounted for the largest share at 52 women, or 20.31 percent.
This was followed by women in their 20s with 48 victims, or 18.75 percent; women in their 40s and 50s with 45 victims each, or 17.58 percent; and women in their 60s with 35 victims, or 13.67 percent.
![[JOONGANG ILBO]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/08/6860fab1-16b4-4f0d-8751-738dd13dc08b.jpg)
[JOONGANG ILBO]
Of the 673 total victims, 284 of them, or 42.2 percent, were around the directly affected victim, such as family members, acquaintances, police officers and even pets.
A substantial number of incidents occurred after the victim had already filed police reports or taken protective measures, such as seeking a restraining order. Among all victims, 86 people, or 12.8 percent, had a history of prior reports or protective measures before the incident.
![A man who faces charges of murder of a woman is seen in front of the Yongin Dongbu Police Precinct on Sept. 16, 2025. [NEWS1]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/03/08/ab8cb682-a74c-4827-a6fb-aa752266ded5.jpg)
A man who faces charges of murder of a woman is seen in front of the Yongin Dongbu Police Precinct on Sept. 16, 2025. [NEWS1]
A total of 94 victims, including bystanders, were killed or at risk of being killed by men they had no prior connection to, according to the report.
Among victims whose age was confirmed, women in their 20s accounted for the largest share of those who were killed or attacked by men that they did not know, with 18 victims making up 29.03 percent.
The most cited motive mentioned by perpetrators was “attempted sexual assault” at 21.28 percent.
“Domestic violence against women should not be dismissed as private disputes or isolated incidents,” the KWHL said. “More sophisticated and comprehensive statistics on femicide must be established and related laws and protection systems should be strengthened.”
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY PARK JONG-SUH [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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