Surge in Domestic Violence Feared During Chuseok Holiday in South Korea
As South Korea celebrates one of its longest Chuseok holidays, lasting seven days, concerns are mounting about a potential spike in family-related violent crimes. Police statistics indicate a trend of increased violent incidents, particularly those within families or intimate relationships, during traditional holidays when relatives gather for extended periods. This article examines the potential causes and the measures being taken to address this issue.
Increased Violence During Chuseok
Police data reveals a significant increase in domestic and dating violence reports during holiday periods. According to the data, domestic violence reports rose by 62.3 percent and dating violence by 30.5 percent during last year's holiday compared to non-holiday periods. Police typically record over 4,000 such cases nationwide during Chuseok, with longer holidays correlating to more reported cases. A police official stated that "spur-of-the-moment assaults between family members are repeated every Chuseok" due to increased gatherings.
Root Causes and Contributing Factors
Song Ran-hee, representative of the Korea Women’s Hot Line, attributes the heightened tensions to entrenched patriarchal customs. She explained, "Family rituals such as ancestral rites remain male-centered in many households, with women shouldering most of the preparations. Even trivial criticisms over food or ingredients can trigger disputes." Such gender roles and expectations during the holiday season can exacerbate existing conflicts and lead to increased incidents of violence. She further noted that divorce consultations tend to rise following the holiday.
Emergency Calls and Reporting Challenges
While statistics reflect a rise in 112 emergency calls, Song also emphasized the complexities of interpreting these figures. Many victims find it difficult to report on their own, and the increase in reports may partly stem from problems surfacing due to the holiday environment. She noted that the rate of women experiencing domestic violence in Korea and directly seeking police help is low, hovering around 0.8 percent. However, she stresses that the holiday environment creates conditions where violence is more likely to occur, impacting not only spouses but also children.
Serious Crimes and Emergency Responses
Beyond domestic and dating violence, serious crimes requiring urgent police responses, categorized as "code zero" and "code one" cases (e.g., homicide or robbery), tend to account for a larger share of emergency reports during Chuseok. In 2023, an average of 56 code zero and 1,949 code one calls were made each day during the holiday, a figure consistent with the previous two years despite a decline in overall 112 calls.
Preventive Measures and Support Systems
In response to these concerns, authorities are implementing comprehensive preventive measures. The National Police Agency has designated the period from September 29 to October 12 as a “comprehensive public safety period.” Patrols will be intensified in residential areas, entertainment districts, financial institutions, and transport hubs. Additional monitoring will target households considered at high risk of repeat domestic violence or child abuse.
Police will also enforce stricter measures against violent crimes involving alcohol, expand checks on abandoned homes susceptible to burglary, and strengthen security at airports and train stations in anticipation of increased travel. National Police Agency acting Commissioner Yoo Jae-sung stated the agency's goal is for citizens to "spend the holiday safely without incidents or accidents," and that all available police resources will be used to maintain order.
Support for Victims
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’s Women’s Human Rights Institute of Korea will maintain full operations throughout the Chuseok holiday to support victims of digital sex crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Their 24-hour hotline, 1366, will continue to provide counseling and connect victims with legal, medical, and shelter services. Support is available through various channels, including phone, online chat, KakaoTalk, and web-based counseling platforms.
Shin Bo-ra, president of the institute, emphasized the increased risk of gender-based violence during long holidays and affirmed the commitment to ensuring continuous support. She urged victims to reach out anytime, anywhere and not hesitate to call 1366 immediately if harmed or threatened.
