South Korea lacks human trafficking victim protection facilities

Three years after the implementation of the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, South Korea lacks any regional victim protection agencies or support facilities. Despite a reported 70% increase in human trafficking crimes over the last five years—rising from 582 cases in 2019 to 989 in 2024—no local institutions have been established to handle reporting, field investigations, or emergency measures.

National Assembly member Lim Jong-deuk criticized the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family for its passive response, noting that while the law provides a framework for specialized facilities and budgets, none have been implemented. Currently, the central victim protection agency is overwhelmed, managing an increasing number of cases with a minimal staff of only three people, two of whom hold concurrent positions.