Police To Conduct Full Survey of Saekdongwon Residents and Staff...Compulsory Investigation Signaled

"Difficulty Securing Victim Statements"

The police investigating allegations of sexual violence at Saekdongwon, a residential facility for people with severe disabilities located in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, have begun a full-scale survey of all residents and staff members since its opening in 2008, while also signaling the start of compulsory investigations.

On the 9th, Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Park Jungbo briefed reporters on the progress of the Saekdongwon special investigation task force during a regular press conference held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "Since the facility opened, 87 people with disabilities have passed through it, and there have been about 152 staff members," and added, "Given the characteristics of the victims, it is extremely difficult to obtain statements about the harm, so we are conducting a full survey."So far, the police have identified six specific victims and have booked three people, including facility staff members, on charges of rape or assault.

Park Jeongbo, commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, is delivering his inaugural address at the inauguration ceremony held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Yonhap News

Commissioner Park explained, "The investigation has progressed considerably," and added, "Compulsory measures, including steps to secure the suspects, will be carried out soon." The police are currently conducting the investigation along two tracks: abuse of people with disabilities, including rape and assault at the facility, and issues related to subsidies. The Sexual Violence and Juvenile Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is handling the sexual violence allegations, while the Financial Crime Investigation Unit of the Metropolitan Investigation Unit is in charge of the subsidy-related issues. Commissioner Park added, "Given the nature of the case, the victims have severe disabilities and there are limits to communication, so we are bringing in and consulting with specialized external organizations."

A police official said, "The subsidy issue is still at the pre-booking inquiry stage," and added, "We will soon identify the charges and move on to compulsory investigations."