"Please Show Bra Wearing Photos" Used Underwear Trading... Concerns Over Sexual Harassment Crimes [Han Seung-gon's Case Notebook]

Controversy Over Requests for 'Chakshot' Showing Worn Condition in Used Women's Underwear Transactions
Conditions Include Asking for 'Worn Clothes' Instead of Washed Ones
Women Express "Unpleasant Experiences," Decrying It as De Facto Sexual Harassment

Recently, there has been controversy over some buyers requesting so-called 'worn underwear photos' from sellers during the process of trading second-hand underwear. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # Recently, a female college student in her 20s, Lee, experienced an unpleasant incident. She listed worn clothes for sale on a secondhand trading service, but someone initiated a chat demanding a 'chakshot' (wearing photo) and made remarks close to sexual harassment, which are inappropriate in conversations between sellers and buyers. Lee expressed her frustration, saying, "In the past, when trading secondhand items, some buyers offered more money if the clothes were sold as worn rather than washed, and it seems such people still exist."

Concerns are rising that some users on secondhand goods trading platforms are requesting so-called 'chakshots' from women or demanding clothes in a worn state rather than washed, which could potentially lead to sexual crimes.

Various online communities frequently feature posts about unpleasant experiences involving demands for 'chakshots.' While 'chakshots' are sometimes requested during secondhand clothing transactions to check the condition or fit of the clothes, demands for 'underwear chakshots' are also made, causing discomfort to sellers and effectively leading to sexual harassment or sexual violence.

On the other hand, there are more passive opposing views. Some argue that buyers can request 'chakshots' as a purchase condition during underwear transactions, and if the seller refuses, the deal simply does not proceed.

A female office worker in her 30s, Kim, who has observed such transactions, stated, "In some cases, 'chakshots' are requested or sellers themselves post photos wearing the clothes, but it is rare for underwear 'chakshots' to be posted."

She added, "Even if such cases exist, they are usually businesses selling clothes on secondhand platforms who disclose 'chakshots' through professional models. It is inconceivable that ordinary women would post underwear 'chakshots' and meet buyers directly for face-to-face transactions," she emphasized.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Another female college student in her 20s, Park, shared a similar opinion. Park pointed out, "Underwear sold secondhand is usually priced at only 10,000 to 20,000 won. Who would post a 'chakshot' wearing underwear in a situation where everyone can see and capture it? It's really absurd." She continued, "There are persistent buyers demanding 'chakshots,' which is an incomprehensible request. Since all sizes are disclosed, why would a 'chakshot' be necessary?" she criticized.

However, some counterarguments exist. The reason for requesting 'chakshots' is to see how the clothes fit. A male office worker in his 30s, Kim, who stated that requesting underwear 'chakshots' is possible, said, "It should be viewed as a transaction between seller and buyer, not as a matter of male and female." He added, "There is no law prohibiting the request for 'chakshots.' Of course, I understand the criticism that it may be inappropriate, but saying it is completely forbidden seems like saying not to trade at all."

Following such demands for 'chakshots,' some buyers also request clothes in the exact worn state, sparking controversy. A woman in her 30s, Kim, who tried to trade clothes on a secondhand platform, revealed, "I cleaned and took photos of the clothes I wanted to sell, but I received a message saying, 'The worn state is better; I can pay more.' I just thought they were a 'pervert' and naturally refused," she lamented.

In summary, while secondhand goods trading platforms continue to develop, buyers who make remarks close to sexual violence or create situations where sexual crimes could occur still appear. Experts suggest that, according to current laws, there is room to interpret such behavior as sexual harassment, so it is best to limit conversations to matters related to the transaction.

A local police official explained, "During the (secondhand goods) transaction process, conversations should be limited to buying and selling items. Repeatedly demanding or forcing underwear 'chakshots' can be interpreted as coercing obscene conversations or may appear as such, which could lead to sexual harassment charges." He added, "There are cases where if the other party does not respond to requests for underwear 'chakshots' or obscene remarks, it is seen as insensitivity or tacit consent to sexual harassment, but precedent holds that it should be interpreted as refusal, not participation," he emphasized.