While the sexual crime using hidden cameras is increasingly becoming a serious social problem in Korea, the government passed an amendment to the legislation regarding chemical treatment to oppress sexual impulse. According to the amendment passed on July 18, judges are now allowed to sentence chemical castration against sex offenders who commit crimes using hidden cameras, attempt rape, or commit rape/homicide against minors.
The recent amendment seems to reflect serious social issues caused by increased production and distribution of illegal pornography filmed using hidden “spy” cameras. Such micro-cameras – often disguised as ordinary objects like eyeglasses, water bottles, or screws – are easily accessible online without regulation.
Crimes using secret cameras are not limited to the capturing of images of the private area – in the worst case scenario, revenge porn is shared online without acknowledgment of the person featured in the video.
Currently, pictures of women’s restroom wall are going viral among Korean Twitter users. The initial uploader posted a picture showing a public restroom’s wall with several holes, asking, “Is it true that these holes are not found in men’s restrooms?”
그러니까 이게 시공실수가 아니고 고의란 말이지? (대형까페 건물 공중 화장실) (신촌) pic.twitter.com/MFWuAGrtqY
— 돤 (@ladyppippi) July 16, 2017
화장실 구멍하니 작년에 아내가 보내온 호수공원 화장실 사진. 생활신고 어플로 신고했더니 이후 시트지로 가려졌다고 한다. pic.twitter.com/LukDA67sPt
— 사진찍는 김기자 (@dragonkeem) July 16, 2017
Apparently, divisive replies by gender imply high chances that such holes are used to insert micro-cameras to film nudity in public restrooms.
Common worries about being filmed without consent or acknowledgment even resulted in the release of several smartphone applications designed to detect hidden cameras. However, a fundamental solution is vital to stop the anxiety.
By Heewon Kim
