South Korean counselors use keyword monitoring to rescue minors from online sexual exploitation

Counselors at the Central Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center are utilizing a ‘cyber outreach’ program to identify and assist minors at risk of online sexual exploitation. By monitoring approximately 380 social media platforms and chat applications, staff look for specific keywords used by vulnerable youth, such as ‘mija’ (minor), ‘daelgu’ (proxy purchasing), ‘goding’ (high schooler), and ‘gachul’ (runaway).

Experts warn that many platforms lack rigorous age verification, allowing adults to pose as minors or children to access age-restricted services. The program identifies thousands of cases annually, but support remains limited. Currently, only three counselors are dedicated to this outreach, and the project is funded through short-term contracts by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, leading to staffing shortages and concerns regarding the stability and quality of long-term support.