Despite South Korea’s reputation as an exceptionally safe country, a recent spate of violent incidents has deeply unsettled Korean society, drawing attention to the influence of online communities in the country and their potential role in facilitating or inspiring these acts of violence.

A 33-year-old unemployed man brandished a knife and launched unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting bystanders near Sillim Subway Station in southwestern Seoul on July 21. The suspect had no known ties to any of his victims. Such random acts of violence, in which assailants seemingly select victims without any apparent motive, are referred to in Korea as “don't ask murders.”