Unique Laws In South Korea

Blood Money or Hapuigeum, is the practice of paying money to the victim (usually done by the offender or the offender's family) to negate any legal punishments. So, if the person who beat you to a bloody pulp so badly you needed your jaw wired went into the hospital and paid your medical bill, then the police will be satisfied that the criminal (assault *is* a crime) has already 'paid for their crimes' - literally.

If the police feel there is any chance that the blood money system is working, they WILL NOT investigate or take a police report. Mike's case wasn't even assigned a case number until well beyond 6 weeks after his murder. The cops believed I was just holding out for more money. They didn't understand that,- no-, I wanted them to actually do their jobs, not mediate a bloodsettlement. (shocking expectations to have eh?)

The person or persons who broker the deal, get 10-20% commission for their troubles. This is often paid in the form of a deposit, then the remainder is paid once the victim has been manipluated into accepted the offering. This is usually done by the police, but in my case, as a foreigner, Lee In Hui appointed herself as my spokesperson in the brokering of the settlement. That night in the ER, she had already told the cops she would 'help' me, and true to her word, she was trying to get me to accept bloodmoney less than 24 hours later on Mother's Day.

So, Lee In Hui and the police would have shared the commission. When Lee In Hui proved ineffectual in getting me to play the game, DY, my supervisor from Yeungnam University, went to the police and volunteered himself as Inhui's replacement. Folks were just lining up to "help" - culturally acceptable ways only.

The video show's the owner of the Sauna and a few of the cops assigned to the vigil. This is Blood Money in action. Enjoy! (link to article I mention in video)