[Exclusive] Illegal Filming of Volunteers in Daegu... Suspect Not Identified for Over Ten Days

Illegal Filming Reported at Daegu Dongsan Hospital
Investigation Stalls, Rising Fear of Illegal Distribution
Police and Hospital Silent: "Case Under Investigation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] A hidden camera crime has occurred at a hospital in Daegu, the frontline of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) war, and the police are investigating. However, more than ten days after the incident, the suspect has not been identified, increasing anxiety about the distribution of illegal footage.

According to the Daegu Jungbu Police Station and Keimyung University Daegu Dongsan Medical Center (Daegu Dongsan Hospital) on the 28th, an illegal filming incident occurred in the women's shower room at Dongsan Hospital around mid-month. This shower room is a space used by female volunteers, including nurses. Based on statements that a volunteer heard the sound of filming while showering and saw a black cellphone with a bear sticker on it, the hospital launched an internal investigation.

The police, who received a report from the hospital, are also conducting an investigation. However, it has been confirmed that the suspect has not been identified as of this day. A Daegu Jungbu Police Station official said, "Since this is an ongoing investigation and a sensitive matter, we cannot provide detailed information." Regarding the suspect's appearance, they only responded, "It is difficult to make a hasty judgment."

Usually, suspects in illegal filming cases in changing rooms are caught quickly. Recently, a man in his 20s who entered the women's restroom of an orthopedic specialty hospital in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, and illegally filmed was immediately arrested by the police following a victim's report.

However, as the case that occurred in a hospital?a relatively open facility where entry and exit are easy to monitor?remains unsolved, anxiety is growing among volunteers. This is due to the possibility that illegally filmed images may be distributed without securing the suspect's cellphone.

A nurse dispatched to this hospital said, "It is hard to understand that the suspect has not been identified yet, even though access by outsiders is restricted due to quarantine issues," and lamented, "How can not only volunteers but also hospital staff work with peace of mind under these circumstances?"

Dongsan Hospital is a dedicated infectious disease hospital currently at the forefront of COVID-19 patient treatment. In March alone, 3,874 nurses volunteered in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, accounting for 2% of the 180,000 nurses working nationwide in medical fields.