Citizens wearing masks try archery lessons in Daegu, 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Nov. 17, 2020, in an event held to ease pandemic fatigue. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 21 (Korea Bizwire) — A series of accidents related to the use of compound bows, primarily used for leisure activities, has sparked controversy over how to restrict their use.
The controversy began after a teenage son shot his father with a compound bow last month during an argument, resulting in a court’s probation ruling.
In turn, the National Assembly submitted a bill last month restricting sales, possession, and use of compound bows.
Compound bows, unlike other recurve bows, are equipped with pulleys, a sight, and a firing mechanism to shoot the target with ease.
The problem is that compound bows are powerful weapon. Last year, an arrow shot from a compound bow missed the target at an archery center and pierced a sports utility vehicle parked 120 meters away.
Since they are easy to purchase and carry, some are concerned that compound bows could be exploited as a weapon against other people.
The archery industry, however, claims that the risk is overrated.
Industry insiders say that it takes months for a normal person to learn how to hit a close target with a compound bow. A person with a malicious intent would likely prefer to use other weapons.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
