Feb 23 • 11:19 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Police capture additional 8 victims of assault at Saekdongwon facility and investigate 4 suspects

Police have identified eight additional victims of assault at the Saekdongwon facility for disabled individuals and have initiated investigations on four staff members suspected of involvement.

In a significant development concerning allegations of sexual violence against female residents at a facilities for the severely disabled in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, police have uncovered further evidence of staff assaults. At a regular press briefing, Park Jeong-bo, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, announced that investigations have been launched against four staff members for potential violations of the Disability Welfare Act. The Special Investigation Team for the Saekdongwon case is carrying out a comprehensive review of the 87 disabled individuals who have resided at the facility since its opening in 2008, revealing an additional eight victims suspected to have suffered from assault and confinement.

Previously, police arrested Kim, the director of Saekdongwon, and two staff members on suspicion of committing sexual abuse against residents. Kim has already been placed under custody, and authorities plan to forward these cases to the prosecution shortly. The unfolding scandal has raised serious concerns regarding the welfare and protection of disabled individuals in institutional settings, prompting calls for thorough investigations into the facility's practices and oversight.

During the briefing, Chief Park emphasized the ongoing nature of their investigation, stating that they are examining both the 87 former residents and 240 staff members affiliated with Saekdongwon, a number that has grown due to recent confirmations from the Ganghwa-gun government. Police anticipate that more victims may emerge, and they are committed to ensuring that the truth is fully uncovered in this disturbing case.

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