Nearly 2,000 reports of ”sexual harassment in the workplace” in South Korea... 1 in 10 cases is a ”violation of the law”

Last year, South Korea received nearly 2,000 reports of sexual harassment in the workplace, and more than one in 10 of those cases was found to be in violation of the law.
According to a document titled "Number of Sexual Harassment Reports in the Workplace and the Results of Handling them" obtained by Kang Deuk, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, by 2024,
The total number of reports was 1,997, which is a 24.2% increase from 1,608 in 2020.
By fiscal year, there was a temporary decrease to 1,576 cases in 2021, but has since increased every year.
The number of cases has increased, reaching 1,931 in 2023. As of August this year, 1,280 cases have already been reported, and the number is expected to continue to increase.
The number of sexual harassment reports that were handled as violations of the law continues to increase. This number will increase from 232 in 2020 to 278 in 2023.
The number of cases fell slightly to 263 in 2024, but remains high. As of August this year, 137 cases have been confirmed as violations of the law.
In particular, there were 137 cases in 2020 where employers did not take proper victim protection measures and received correction orders.
The number of cases rose 32.9% from 2016 to 182 last year. Under the current law, when a sexual harassment case is reported, the employer must immediately investigate and take protective measures, such as changing the victim's place of work or granting paid leave.
If this is not fulfilled, the company will be subject to a correction order. Rep. Kang said, "The system needs to be improved so that victims of sexual crimes in the workplace can receive protection from the company and the state.
"It is essential," he said, emphasizing that "we should also consider raising the level of punishment for employers who are passive in dealing with sexual harassment issues."