Multiple Similar Victim Cases Related to Depression Gallery
Police Investigation Launched on Charges Including Statutory Rape of Minors
A complaint has been filed by a teenage female student who alleges she was sexually assaulted by a man in his 20s whom she met through an online community's bulletin board called the 'Depression Gallery.' On the 12th, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon announced that they are investigating a man in his 20s, identified as Mr. A, who has been accused of rape. Mr. A is suspected of sexually assaulting the teenage girl, Ms. B, at an officetel in Incheon around mid-May.
On the 12th, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon announced that they are investigating a man in his 20s, Mr. A, who has been accused of rape. Mr. A is suspected of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, Ms. B, at an officetel in Incheon around mid-May. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
It has been determined that he first met Ms. B through the Depression Gallery on the online community DC Inside and then took her to the officetel where he lives. During the police investigation, Mr. A claimed, "I had consensual sexual relations with Ms. B." However, Ms. B stated that she was "sexually assaulted." The police plan to decide whether to charge Mr. A with rape or statutory rape of a minor once the allegations are clearly confirmed through further investigation. Under current South Korean criminal law, an adult aged 19 or older is punishable if they engage in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16, regardless of consent.
There have been multiple reported cases in the past where minors met through the Depression Gallery were approached for sexual purposes. Police departments in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Chungbuk regions have each received three similar complaints and are conducting investigations. On the same day, SBS reported that a 16-year-old girl, Ms. C, was contacted through the Depression Gallery and received an invitation last December from a man in his 20s saying, "Come to my house with your friend. I'll let you stay over and buy you something delicious."
After visiting the man's house with her friend, Ms. C revealed, "I drank alcohol and lost my memory. I remember drinking, and the next thing I recall is the man sexually assaulting me. When I came to, it was morning." She added, "I couldn't tell my family and have been taking psychiatric medication since then." Fourteen-year-old Ms. D also disclosed that after visiting the Depression Gallery and socializing with men who contacted her, she experienced an unwanted pregnancy and had to undergo an abortion.
Notably, SBS reported that a man in his 20s using the nickname 'Hide' led a so-called 'fam' group that committed acts of violence and sexual crimes. There are currently four men in their 20s to 30s who have been identified by victims as perpetrators. The police have launched investigations into these individuals on charges including statutory rape of minors.
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