69 Foreign Exchange Students and 1 Female Middle School Student Sexually Assaulted Over Several Months

During Consultation with Homeroom Teacher, Abuse Revealed
Police Investigate After Imposing Travel Ban on All 69 Individuals

More than 60 international students enrolled at a university in Gangwon Province are reported to have contacted middle school student A through social networking services (SNS). / Photo by G1 Broadcast Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A total of 69 foreign students were arrested by the police on charges of sexually assaulting a female middle school student about 100 times.

According to 'G1 Broadcasting' on the 29th, the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency's International Crime Investigation Team recently booked a total of 69 current and former students of a university in Gangwon Province on charges of statutory rape and sexual bribery.

Statutory rape refers to treating sexual intercourse with a minor who has not reached the age of consent as rape and punishing it accordingly. The crime is established even if the victim's consent is obtained or if there is no use of violence or threats during the act. Previously, in April of last year, the National Assembly passed an amendment to the Criminal Act raising the age for statutory rape application from under 13 years old to under 16 years old.

These university students are accused of calling out middle school student A over 100 times and having sexual relations with her over several months starting from December last year. It is understood that they approached A through social networking services (SNS) after hearing rumors circulating among the group of foreign students.

A's victimization was revealed in August when she was consulting with her homeroom teacher at school. Subsequently, A testified during the police investigation that "the suspects called me saying 'What are you doing?', 'Shall I buy you something delicious?', 'Do you want to come over to my house?'"

Based on A's statement, the police conducted a full investigation of foreign students and graduates attending this university and identified the suspects.

The suspects are presumed to have engaged in sexual relations knowing that A was a minor. The police have imposed a travel ban on all 69 suspects and are investigating the specific circumstances of the incident.