Luring tactics dominate 75% of cases as child abductions surge 2.5-fold in a decade

A parent surnamed Shin (45) from Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, recently felt a wave of relief. Her sixth-grade elementary school daughter told her, "A strange man I encountered on my way home said, 'Didn't we live in the same neighborhood before? I'll buy you something delicious, so come with me.' I said, 'I don't know you, I don't want to,' and ran away."

Mr. surnamed Shin said, "I'm relieved my child didn't fall for it this time, but the thought of what could have happened if he had used more sophisticated tactics or physical force made my hair stand on end."

Parents are in an uproar due to over 10 attempted child abductions across the country in recent weeks.

On the 28th of last month, men in their 20s in Seoul's Seodaemun District tried to put three elementary students into a car, saying, "You're cute, I'll take you home." On the 8th of this month, a high school student in Gwangmyeong attempted to cover an elementary student's mouth and drag them away in an elevator. In Daegu, a person in their 60s grabbed an elementary student's arm, saying, "Let's go eat jajangmyeon."

The police, initially criticized for delayed investigations after claiming "no grounds for suspicion" in the Seodaemun case, have deployed over 50,000 personnel around elementary schools nationwide. Education offices have also distributed safety bells to students as part of abduction prevention measures.

Anxious parents are splitting responsibilities for their children's commutes or hiring caregivers. Sales of location trackers and self-defense items have surged. We examined why child abductions are occurring today and how to prepare for them.

Child Abduction: Why Has It Resurged in the 21st Century?

Crimes involving the abduction or luring of minors were once considered relics of the 20th century. Streets were filled with children, and public safety was inadequate. Abductions peaked in the 1980s-1990s but declined in the 2000s with the spread of CCTV, forensic technology, and mobile phones.

However, in recent years amid deepening low birth rates, such crimes have been increasing. Under-13 child abduction crimes rose from 84 cases in 2013 to 204 cases in 2023 -- a 2.5-fold increase over a decade.

In the past, the primary motives for child abduction were financial gain or adoption. Wealthy families' children were often targeted for ransom, or abducted to be raised by the perpetrators.

In 1978, Jeong Hyo-joo, the only child of a Busan conglomerate family, was abducted for ransom and later rescued. However, because her identity was known, she was abducted again the following year by another perpetrator. The case was so significant it inspired the film Secret Investigation.

In contrast, today, abductions for sexual purposes (40%) are the most common. Other motives include retaliation or coercion due to grudges or debts with parents, or abductions for use in international crimes like organ trafficking.

Experts suggest the recent surge in child abductions may stem from imitation of prior crimes or a desire to test public reaction and gain notoriety.

In advanced countries, child abductors and sex offenders are treated as "human scum." While South Korea allows life imprisonment or the death penalty for crimes against children, it tends to be lenient toward attempted offenses.

According to the Supreme Court, only 20% of attempted abduction cases received prison sentences in the first trial last year. The suspects in the Seodaemun case also sparked controversy when their arrest warrants were rejected. Such lenient punishments may send the wrong message that "abduction pranks are acceptable."

The Korean Institute of Criminology identified the weakening of childcare functions in families and communities -- due to dual-income households, single-parent families, and early childhood education -- as a key factor in the resurgence of 21st-century abductions. While public safety has improved, children now spend significantly less time safely at home.

Foreigners, who often view child safety as the parents' responsibility, are astonished to see Korean children commuting alone to academies with only smartphones, studying late into the night outside, or even having dinner alone.

"Avoid Strangers" -- Do Children Understand?

Children today receive abduction prevention education from kindergarten. They memorize phrases like "No, I don't want to, help me!" and are equipped with location trackers and self-defense tools.

However, only 25% of abduction cases involve physical force. In 75% of cases, children are lured voluntarily. Parents repeatedly warn, "Don't follow strangers," but the problem lies in children's perception of what constitutes a "stranger."

Years ago, a broadcast special on abductions asked young children and elementary students, "What does a stranger look like?" The children described typical villains from cartoons or movies: men with scars, rugged appearances, flashy or dirty clothing, or scary expressions. They did not consider smiling, kind, or pitiful-looking people, those in clean attire, or young, pretty women as "strangers."

In a simulated abduction experiment, children lowered their guard and willingly followed people they had seen once or twice before, especially if the person knew their name. Parents and viewers were speechless.

In reality, 60% of child abductions are committed by acquaintances, such as neighbors, local shopkeepers, or academy staff. Additionally, 35% of abductors are women -- a significantly higher proportion compared to other violent crimes.

Tactics like "I lost my pet, can you help me find it?" or "You're so pretty and kind. Can you help me move this (or find the way)?" are effective anywhere. Children, who often hear only "don't do it" from parents or feel unrecognized as individuals, are flattered by such attention.

One abductor successfully lured children three times using the tactic: "A hamster got into the trunk (under the car), but I hurt my back and can't reach it. You look smart, can you check?"

According to the U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, it takes only "35 seconds" to abduct a child. Showing affection, then appealing to sympathy or curiosity -- even triggering the "good child syndrome" -- leaves children defenseless.

Habitual offenders claim, "Even in a playground with many children, I instinctively recognize targets." Children with low self-esteem, those who struggle to socialize, or those appearing emotionally neglected are often targeted.

Evolving Abduction Tactics: How to Protect Children

The 1997 abduction of Park Chorongchorongbitnari, which shocked the nation, also exploited a child's innocence and curiosity. Jeon Hyeon-ju, a 28-year-old pregnant woman, lured the 8-year-old victim, who was returning from an English academy in Gangnam, with the promise of "showing something fun" to a children's theater workshop run by her husband. Jeon killed Park that night when she tried to escape in fear. The court ruled it an "impulsive murder" and sentenced her to life imprisonment. While the start of a child abduction may seem simple, it often spirals into tragedy beyond the perpetrator's control.

The 1991 abduction of 9-year-old Lee Hyeong-ho, immortalized in the film That Man's Voice, remains unsolved. Lee is presumed to have been killed the same day.

Today, girls are often lured by impersonators claiming to be celebrity managers offering street casting or tempting them with trendy merchandise. Boys are targeted with the latest toys, game consoles, or competitive play.

While it's impossible to teach children to distrust everyone, child and criminal psychologists emphasize that children must learn "there's no such thing as a free lunch." Unconditional kindness or gifts often come with a price.

Teach children, "Adults don't ask kids for help." If an adult claims to be in an emergency -- unable to walk or needing directions -- they should respond, "I'll find another adult to help."

Online grooming via messengers, games, or social media to build rapport before arranging offline meetings is rapidly increasing. "Online acquaintances without prior meetings = strangers in real life." Parents should avoid disclosing their children's identities or commuting patterns on social media and monitor their online activities closely.

Overseas cases have seen AI deepfakes mimicking parents' voices or videos to lure children to specific locations. Establishing a family emergency code known only to relatives is another preventive measure.

Beware 'free kindness': child abductions take just 35 seconds