Chinese tourist charged over filming 27 women in Seoul
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
South Korean prosecutors have filed charges without detention against a Chinese tourist in his 20s over alleged illegal filming of women during a trip to Seoul. Investigators said at least 27 women were identified as victims across multiple districts, and the case is being handled under South Korea’s law on sexual violence crimes.
Key Points
- The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office announced on Tuesday, September 15, that it had indicted the suspect without detention.
- Reports said the man entered South Korea in July and was caught at about 6pm on August 4 in a cafe in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District.
- He allegedly used a mobile phone to secretly film a woman’s body in the cafe, where he was apprehended on the spot.
- Police later found alleged filming incidents beyond Seongsu-dong, including Mapo District and Yeongdeungpo District, with 27 known victims.
- Prosecutors said charges were filed on August 9 under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, while police imposed and later extended an exit ban.
Why It Matters
The case is a reminder for Hong Kong and other Asian travellers that covert filming offences overseas can trigger criminal prosecution even when the suspect is a short-term visitor. South Korean authorities have also not confirmed whether any of the recorded images were leaked, leaving a key part of the case still unresolved.