Civil Servant Sued for Secretly Filming Colleague "Life Is Hard"
Author Also Mocks Netizens in Replies to Comments
A public official posted a message on an online community expressing feelings of injustice and seeking advice, but instead faced backlash.
On the 11th, a post titled "I got sued" was uploaded on the anonymous online community for office workers called 'Blind.' This community requires users to verify their workplace with their company email to join. After joining, the workplace is displayed along with the nickname when posting.
The author, Mr. A, whose workplace was listed as "public official," said, "There was a woman interested in me at work, and I was caught secretly taking photos. They were not inappropriate photos, just everyday pictures," and asked, "Is it possible to get sued over something like this?"
Specifically, Mr. A wrote, "I didn't spread the photos on the internet; I only kept them myself, but they are accusing me of sexual harassment," and asked for advice, "Does this constitute sexual harassment? I am being pointed at at work because of this. If I am found not guilty, can I sue them for false accusation?"
Office workers who saw the post left critical comments such as, "Even people like this become public officials," "I hope they pay the price," "It's amazing that someone secretly takes photos infringing on others' portrait rights and then asks if they can sue for false accusation," "What they did is already wrong, and their mindset trying to get free legal advice here is also wrong," and "No sign of remorse and already talking about false accusation."
On the 11th, a post titled "I Got Sued" was uploaded on the anonymous online community for office workers, 'Blind'. [Image source=Blind capture]
As the criticism intensified, Mr. A said, "'Secret filming is a crime. If the woman felt shame due to secret filming, it counts as sexual harassment, and as a public official, disadvantages are expected,'" adding, "Thank you all for the support. I will ask for a settlement. I have to pay money. I plan to settle for 500,000 won. It's a tough world to live as a man. Sigh," expressing a sigh.
Later, Mr. A responded to netizens' comments with jokes. He responded to those who left abusive comments by saying, "I will report you," while showing confidence by saying, "I will settle."
In particular, when a netizen said, "It really makes me sick to think that my coworker secretly took pictures of me," Mr. A mocked, "I don't take pictures of you. Go make some coffee, Miss Kim." Finally, Mr. A added, "Stop it. I've been insulted a lot. So I think I will live long," and "The rumor has already spread at the company."
According to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (Camera and Other Devices Filming), anyone who films a person's body that may cause sexual desire or shame against the subject's will is subject to imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine of up to 50 million won.
The key to establishing the crime of filming using a camera or other devices is whether it was against the subject's will; if consent was not given, the charge is recognized. In addition, factors such as the victim's clothing and degree of exposure, emphasis on specific body parts, the photographer's intent and circumstances, filming location, angle, and distance are considered, with particular importance placed on whether the footage causes sexual shame.
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