A recent analysis conducted by the Korean Institute of Criminal and Justice Policy has revealed a concerning trend where gaslighting crimes are escalating into physical and sexual violence, sometimes culminating in murder. Over the past five years, the study examined court documents and investigative records related to gaslighting, identifying that more than 70% of offenders are male, predominantly in their 20s and 30s. The report, titled 'Characteristics of Gaslighting Crimes and Enhanced Response Strategies,' highlighted that the most commonly recognized offenses in court included violence and injury, with threatening behavior and sexual crimes also prevalent.

The report defines gaslighting as a form of abuse where the perpetrator makes the victim doubt their own reality, memories, and emotions, effectively leading them to lose trust in their judgment. It points to the use of various manipulation tactics, such as direct insults, blame-shifting, and creating a climate of fear and confusion through habitual lying and intimidation. This type of psychological abuse often occurs within intimate relationships, such as with partners or spouses, comprising 36.4% of cases, followed by friendships and religious ties.

Gender analysis of the offenders showed that 72.7% were men, with an average age of 34.14 years. The findings further indicated that 59.09% of the offenders fell within the teenage to thirty-something age group. The prevalence of gaslighting crimes alongside coercive control and manipulation highlights the need for societal awareness and legal reforms to better address and combat such forms of psychological abuse and their potential spiral into more severe violence.