Fearing stalkers and violent exes, Korean women are hiring their own bodyguards

After a series of women in Korea were killed after experiencing stalking, assault and threats from former partners or husbands, some potential victims are turning to private bodyguards to protect themselves. They are paying substantial sums out of pocket amid concerns that public protection measures, including emergency smartwatches and restraining orders, may not be enough to keep an attacker away. The government also provides private security services to some crime victims, but funding has failed to keep pace with rapidly growing demand. A 29-year-old woman living in North Jeolla Province, identified only as A, hired a bodyguard for four days in mid-October because her former boyfriend, identified as B, was about to be released from prison. B had served six months in prison for fraud-related offenses, including taking out loans in A's name. Her fears soon became reality. On the second day of the security assignment, B showed up at A's apartment complex. The bodyguard stopped him, warned him not to return and sent him away. "When my ex-boyfriend showed up, I was so scared that I cried," A