Former South Korean Idol Filmed Ex-Partner 18 Times in Secret to Shame the Victim

“The act of secretly filming is something that causes shame to the victim. Additionally, it creates anxiety, as the victim is unaware of being filmed, which becomes a serious issue that hinders their social activities.”

This is how the Seoul Western District Court condemned the actions of a former famous idol group member and rapper.

The former idol, referred to as A (in his 30s), was charged with violating special laws regarding sexual violence crimes, including unauthorized filming of sexual acts with his ex-partner. According to South Korean entertainment media ‘Kstyle’ and others, on December 2, he gave up on appealing and had his sentence of 1 year and 4 months of imprisonment finalized.

“A debuted as a member of a famous idol group in February 2017. The group gained immense popularity, with their album topping the annual sales rankings. However, in March 2019, A suddenly announced his departure, citing health issues and stepping away from the entertainment industry.” (South Korean newspaper reporter)

“I apologize without a single excuse.”

 

A’s voyeurism scandal was uncovered through the testimony of an artist colleague who reported the existence of the images. In September 2023, Seoul police investigating the case detained A, and he was indicted in December of the same year.

“According to the indictment, A secretly filmed his actions and the lower body of a woman he was dating from July 2022 to May 2023, without her consent, a total of 18 times. His method was shocking. First, he would blindfold the woman and invite her to bed. Then, using a camera app that operated silently, he would take the footage.

In court, the defense argued that A did not intend to distribute the images externally and asked for a lenient sentence because it was his first offense. A also submitted a letter of apology, showing a contrite attitude, saying, ‘I sincerely apologize for my wrong actions without making any excuses.'”

However, even if there was no intention to distribute the images, if they were accidentally leaked, they could become a digital tattoo and remain on the internet indefinitely. As the court pointed out at the beginning, the victim’s psychological suffering is immeasurable.

 

 

At least three victims.

It seems that A’s voyeurism victims were not limited to his ex-girlfriend.

“In July 2023, A allegedly took covert photos of a woman in her underwear at a bar in Seoul’s busy Gangnam district. He is said to have filmed the woman lying on a bed four times. According to the police, at least three victims have been identified so far” (another Korean newspaper reporter).

In the future, A is expected to serve his prison sentence, undergo rehabilitation programs, and work at juvenile facilities or similar institutions.