South Koreans are grappling with a series of recent stabbing incidents that have unnerved the nation, leading to fears and concerns about their safety. The country experienced two mass stabbing attacks within a short span, triggering anxiety in a society that typically enjoys low rates of violent crime, BBC reports.
The first attack occurred on July 21, when a man targeted commuters in the capital city's subway station, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The assailant expressed a desire to spread misery due to his own unhappy life.
A similar incident unfolded on August 3 in Seongnam, southeast of Seoul, where a man deliberately drove into pedestrians and then proceeded to stab nine people in a department store, causing multiple injuries and one death. This disturbing pattern of events has left South Koreans bewildered and questioning the country's safety, which was once highly regarded.
#Stabbing rampages on rise? #Safety concerns mount in #SouthKorea
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) August 5, 2023
🇰🇷🔪🛒🚨‼️@polinlove Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun #issued a stern #warning to #citizens, urging them to remain #vigilant and #alert to their #surroundings.
👉Details — https://t.co/OPrDO3bgoN… pic.twitter.com/C9Dx701LTC
These incidents are viewed as "Don't Ask Why" or Mudjima crimes in South Korea—acts of violence against strangers without clear motives. Although the overall violent crime rates in the country remain low, these events have amplified the perception of danger. Comparisons to the U.S. have arisen online, suggesting that such crimes are becoming more common.
However, experts emphasize that South Korea remains a safe country compared to global standards. Despite recent events, the country's homicide rate is notably lower than that of many other nations. Social issues such as job instability, housing challenges, mental health stigma, and lack of support services may contribute to these incidents.
In response to copycat threats after the attacks, police implemented special enforcement measures, leading to the arrest of several individuals. The fear instilled by these incidents has prompted discussions about harsher punishments, changes in criminal responsibility laws, and enhanced police action.
While the recent violent events have shaken the nation, many call for thorough investigations, preventative measures against copycat crimes, and continued efforts to maintain South Korea's reputation for public safety.
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