"Preventing Illegal Filming in Public Restrooms"

Yongsan-gu Installs Safety Screens in 6 Women's Public Restrooms

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] According to Article 14 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, anyone who uses a camera or other similar device to film a person's body in a way that induces sexual desire or shame against the subject's will shall be punished by imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

However, as so-called 'molka' (hidden camera) incidents continue, including those at the KBS research building, many women are expressing anxiety and reporting harm.

Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) has installed 13 'Safe Screens' in six women's public restrooms in the area.

This is to prevent sex crimes using smartphones and illegal filming devices.

The Safe Screen is a device that seals the gap under the restroom stall doors. The installation locations are Itaewon 1~3, Huam 4, Ichon-ro, and Singye-dong public restrooms. Restrooms with only one stall or no gaps in the partitions were excluded from installation.

A district official said, "Although it is a simple facility, it can significantly alleviate the anxiety of female users," adding, "In addition, district office officials and Safe Security Guards patrol the sites to check for hidden cameras."

The district operates four Safe Security Guards. They patrol about 100 vulnerable facilities such as public restrooms, privately opened restrooms, and changing rooms in pairs three times a week, using electromagnetic wave detectors and infrared detectors to check for illegal filming equipment.

The district also operates IoT emergency bells in four public restrooms. The IoT emergency bell detects screams or sounds of assault and contacts the police without a person having to press the bell in an emergency, thereby preventing crimes.

As of May, there are 10 public restrooms (including portable ones) and 9 privately opened restrooms in the area.

Seong Jang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "The installation of hidden cameras and illegal filming are serious crimes that can never be forgiven," and added, "The district will do its best to create a public restroom environment where everyone can use with peace of mind."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.