Calls intensify for further regulations on self-defense weapons

This photo, taken, July 24, shows self-defense products available to buy in a store in Seoul. Yonhap

By Jung Da-hyun

Growing concerns over the possible criminal use of self-defense weapons are sparking calls for tougher regulations on the products.

Fears come in the wake of a heinous crime involving a 30-year-old man who assaulted a woman, on a hiking trail in southern Seoul, with two brass knuckles, after which, he raped her, Thursday. The victim died, Saturday.

"It scared me because it is so easy to buy them online, and I also wonder if I can actually use brass knuckles in self-defense in an urgent situation," said Lee So-heon, 26, a university student who also lives in southern Seoul.

The latest attack adds to a recent string of violent crimes that have alarmed the public. Ahead of the murder case, a knife-wielding rampage occurred near Sillim Station, July 21, followed by a similar incident at Seohyeon Station in Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 3, which sparked a surge in the sales of self-defense weapons.

According to Interpark, an online shopping website, sales quadrupled as of July 22, one day after the stabbing attack at Sillim Station, through Aug. 3, compared to the same period a month earlier ― from June 22 to July 3. In addition, one day after the Seohyeon Station stabbing, sales saw a dramatic surge, equaling the total orders of the preceding 12 days.

The suspect, second from right, charged with rape and murder at Sillim-dong, Seoul, leaves Seoul Gwanak Police station after an investigation, Saturday. Yonhap

“In the wake of such crimes, people have rushed to purchase items for self-defense out of a belief that at least they can defend themselves,” said Kim Sang-gyun, a professor at the Division of Police Science at Baekseok University.

However, the misuse of self-defense weapons in criminal acts is not new.

Past instances include an attack in a middle school in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, in December 2021, where a student used brass knuckles to harm a classmate. In January, a teenage driver in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, employed brass knuckles to attack a pedestrian.

Additionally, a disturbing case emerged in June, where a police officer was disciplined for using a three-tiered baton to attack his wife.

Regarded as dangerous weapons that cause serious injuries and even death, brass knuckles are illegal in 21 states in the United States and 17 states allow people with a permit to own or carry the hand-held weapon.

Kwack Dae-gyung, a professor at the College of Police and Criminal Justice at Dongguk University underscored the importance of establishing specific criteria to scientifically assess the offensive potential before introducing regulations.

"Rather than hastily seeking ill-advised regulations, the focus should be on a standards-based assessment and reach a social consensus," he said.