Police apply for arrest warrant for the head of Seokdongwon facility on 'sexual violence against the disabled'
Authorities have applied for an arrest warrant for the head of Seokdongwon, a facility for disabled individuals in Incheon, amid ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual abuse.
The police in Incheon have filed for an arrest warrant for Kim, the head of Seokdongwon, a facility for individuals with severe disabilities, in connection with allegations of sexual abuse. This development follows a thorough investigation conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's special investigation unit which uncovered serious claims regarding long-term sexual violence against disabled women residing at the facility. The action comes as part of broader efforts directed by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok to address the reported cases of sexual violence and abuse within this institution.
In their investigation, authorities have reportedly identified six victims and are working on gathering comprehensive testimonies from a total of 87 former residents and 152 staff members of the facility since it opened in 2008. Despite two previous summons for questioning, Kim has denied all allegations against him. The case has drawn significant attention, being referred to as the βIncheon version of The Crucibleβ, due to the severity of the accusations and the implications of abuse within care facilities meant to protect vulnerable populations.
Criticism has emerged concerning the local government's handling of the situation, particularly regarding the disclosure of an in-depth investigative report commissioned by the Ganghwa County office. This report allegedly contains statements from 19 women with disabilities claiming they were victims of sexual violence by Kim. Initially kept confidential due to ongoing police investigations, parts of the report have recently been made public following escalating demands for transparency, although both Seokdongwon and Kim have requested further confidentiality. The police's ongoing inquiry reflects an urgent need to ensure justice and proper oversight of facilities serving vulnerable individuals, and has raised questions about systemic failures in protecting residents from abuse.