Is Vigilante Justice Justified? — Can Individuals Deliver Justice the Law Cannot?

"The law won't punish properly, so I'll do it myself" — this sentiment is as old as humanity.

Modern Vigilantism Types

1. Doxxing: Exposing personal info (name, workplace, address, family) of alleged perpetrators online.

2. Direct violence/threats: "Teaching a lesson" content getting millions of YouTube views.

3. Economic sanctions: Calling perpetrators' workplaces to get them fired, leaving negative reviews.

Supporting Arguments

1. Law's limits: When legal punishment is too light (sex offenders getting probation)
2. Deterrence: Fear of "social burial" deters crime
3. Victim relief: Legal process is slow; vigilantism is immediate

Opposing Arguments

1. Wrongful targeting: Boston Marathon bombing (2013) — Reddit users identified an innocent student who had already committed suicide
2. No proportionality: No standard for "how much" punishment. Minor offense → social destruction
3. Rule of law erosion: "If law is insufficient, fix the law, don't ignore it." If vigilantism is justified, everyone becomes a judge
4. Revenge cycles: Target retaliates → endless violence loop

Core Issue

This debate is fundamentally about trust in the legal system. Korea's strong enthusiasm for vigilantism reflects the perception that "the law sides with perpetrators."