"Only Women Over 20, Please" PC Tel with Strangers, Any Crime Concerns? [Han Seung-gon's Case Notebook]

'PCtel' Trend: Playing Games in Motels After PC Cafes Closed Due to COVID-19
Some Create Chat Rooms Inviting Only 'Women in Their 20s' to PCtel
Experts Warn "Potential for Crimes Like Sexual Offenses"

Chat rooms created with the idea of "Let's go to a PC tel." Most were made with the intention of inviting only "women," with the person covering the entire cost of the motel. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I will cover all the costs," "Only women over 20 years old, please."

This is the title of an anonymous chat room created to enjoy games at a motel equipped with high-spec PCs. The problem lies in the risk of sexual crimes. For example, someone might lure women to a motel by claiming to cover all motel fees, alcohol costs, and other expenses, then commit crimes.

Experts say this is entirely predictable and analyze that criminals might be targeting the current situation where there is a pretext to enjoy PC games at motels.

On the morning of the 8th, dozens of chat rooms were found on KakaoTalk Open Chat created with the intention of going to motels with high-spec PCs since PC bangs are inaccessible due to the novel coronavirus infection.

While most people simply want to enjoy PC games, some set conditions to go to motels together. Most requests ask that only women in their 20s enter the chat rooms. They also add that they will cover all costs, including motel fees.

Because of this, concerns about crimes cannot be dismissed. Experts point out that being alone with a stranger in a confined space and drinking can lead to sexual harassment or other crimes. Citizens' opinions are no different.

Lee, a college student in her 20s, said, "I don't understand why they specifically invite only 'women' to the chat room," adding, "What does gender have to do with enjoying PC games? It can only be seen as suspicious." She emphasized, "I am worried that crimes might occur for this reason."

Park, a company employee in his 30s, raised his voice, saying, "Of course, crimes are bound to happen." He added, "Why do men insist on meeting only 'women' and even set age limits? Anyone can see that these chat rooms are created with a certain purpose."

A motel street. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As citizens feared, there was an incident in July where a man in his 30s who met a woman through a chat app was arrested for killing her because she refused to have sexual relations.

According to the Yangsan Police Station in Gyeongnam, Mr. A (34) was arrested on charges of assaulting Ms. B (28, female) at a motel in Yangsan City, Gyeongnam, around 2 a.m. on July 2, and causing her death using a tool he usually carried.

The police reported that Mr. A fled to Ulsan, where he lived, immediately after the crime. He then hid by moving around convenience stores, bathhouses, and PC bangs in Ulsan and was caught by the police 16 hours after the crime.

After killing Ms. B, Mr. A reportedly left her body in the bathtub and stole her wallet containing her phone and ID before fleeing.

Investigations revealed that Mr. A and Ms. B met through a chat app earlier this year and had met three or four times since. A police official said, "Since this chat app is not simply for arranging heterosexual meetings, we are also checking whether Mr. A committed additional crimes."

Experts analyze that crimes can occur in motels based on the purpose of these chat rooms.

Professor Oh Yoon-sung of the Department of Police Administration at Soonchunhyang University said, "For those aiming to commit crimes, the current social atmosphere where anyone can go to 'PC-tel' can be seen as an opportunity," adding, "There is definitely a possibility of crime."

He emphasized, "Especially when drinking at motels, sexual harassment can occur impulsively," and "Naturally, the possibility of crimes occurring cannot be ruled out."

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