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Lee orders thorough review of stalking cases after 'lax handling' led to fatal accident

Published: 19 Mar. 2026, 18:50

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior aides at the Blue House in central Seoul on March 19. [YONHAP]

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged police to review all reported stalking cases and swiftly implement measures to protect victims amid public backlash over the police's failure to prevent a recent fatal incident.

Lee made the call as he criticized the police's "lax handling" of a recent stalking case in which a man fatally stabbed a woman he had previously dated even though the victim had been under police protection and had reported threats shortly before the crime last week.

"Police should promptly conduct a comprehensive review of all reported stalking cases and swiftly take victim protection measures," Lee said during a meeting with senior aides.

Describing stalking crimes as a major social issue, Lee called on authorities to fully utilize existing systems to strengthen victim protection while continuing efforts to improve them.

"It is the government's responsibility to make full use of existing systems to protect people, rather than simply blaming shortcomings in the system," Lee said. "We must also improve those systems to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies."

Separately, Lee instructed authorities to step up preparations for a surge in foreign visitors ahead of K-pop group BTS's comeback concert scheduled for Saturday in central Seoul.

"I understand that the number of foreign tourists has temporarily surged ahead of the BTS concert this weekend, making the arrival terminals at Incheon International Airport extremely crowded," he said. "Active measures are needed to reduce confusion and inconvenience on the ground."

He also called on immigration authorities to deploy additional personnel and equipment to ensure smooth entry procedures for incoming travelers.

Yonhap