Yonsei University Medical Student Accused of 32 Counts of Illegal Filming in Women's Restroom...Prosecution Seeks 3-Year Prison Sentence

Prosecution: "Not an accidental crime, repeated dozens of times"
Mr. A: "I will live with lifelong remorse"

Paraphilia manifests in various forms. A representative example is voyeurism, which is related to the surge in hidden camera crimes.

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for a Yonsei University medical student accused of illegally filming female university students by hiding in the women's restroom.

On the 28th, Judge Gong Seongbong of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 6 held a trial session for A (21), a Yonsei medical student who was indicted in custody on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming and distribution using a camera, trespassing in a multi-use place for sexual purposes). On this day, the prosecution requested the court to sentence A to three years in prison, complete a sexual violence treatment program, and impose a five-year employment restriction order.

The prosecution stated the reason for the request, saying, "This was not a crime committed impulsively but was repeated dozens of times," and "Illegal filming occurred within the university, which was believed to be safe, causing significant pain to the victim."

In his final statement, A's defense attorney said, "(The defendant's) ignorance was the cause," and "When psychological pressure manifested as abnormal impulses, he was unable to control his desires without psychiatric treatment." He added, "To prevent reoffending, he is making efforts to develop sexual sensitivity and will continue psychiatric treatment and counseling after release to control his mind." Lastly, he added, "We will try to reach an agreement with the victim as much as possible without causing secondary harm."

A said, "I am very sorry to the victim," and "I, as the perpetrator, am also struggling, so I will live a life of reflection forever, thinking about how hard it must be for the victim." He continued, "For my parents, the victim, and myself, I will become a new person."

A is accused of entering the women's restroom at Yonsei University College of Medicine four times on June 17, 20, 21, and last month on the 4th, secretly filming female students with his mobile phone a total of 32 times.

Meanwhile, Yonsei University reportedly held a disciplinary committee for A, but has been unable to proceed with the process since A's detention. It is known that A did not register for courses in the second semester of the 2022 academic year.

The sentencing date for A is scheduled for the 12th of next month.