'Gangnam Entertainment District' Turned Crime Den: Drug Overdose Deaths and Sexual Harassment... Challenges in Identification and Punishment

'Corona Endemic'
Crime Increase in Entertainment Districts like 'Yeoksam·Dogok' in Gangnam Area
Intent Proving Difficult Due to Lack of CCTV

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] With the end of COVID-19 endemic and the removal of operating hour restrictions, crimes have been continuously occurring, especially in the Gangnam nightlife district. Due to the unique nature of these venues, arrests and punishments are not easy, causing difficulties for the police.

According to a compilation of Asia Economy's coverage on the 9th, crimes occurring in clubs and entertainment bars around the Gangnam area have more than doubled recently. A police officer on the front line stated, "It is true that incidents occurring in clubs and entertainment bars have increased since social distancing measures were lifted," adding, "Reports from female victims have increased, and many incidents occur mainly around Yeoksam and Dogok." Another front-line police officer said, "Compared to a month ago, the number has increased by about two to three times."

Crimes Everywhere in Gangnam Nightlife... From Drugs at Drinking Parties to Sexual Assaults in Clubs

The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul is investigating a case where a female employee in her 30s, Ms. A, and a male customer in his 20s, Mr. B, died after sharing drinks at an entertainment bar in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, between 5 and 7 a.m. on the 5th. Ms. A, who consumed the drinks, was transported to the hospital but passed away, and Mr. B also died in his vehicle after causing a traffic accident that same morning. Inside the deceased customer's vehicle, 64 grams of a white powdery substance suspected to be drugs were found. Considering that a typical single dose is 0.03 grams, this amount corresponds to approximately 2,100 doses. The police have requested a detailed chemical analysis from the National Forensic Service (NFS) to determine whether the substance is indeed drugs. Autopsies are being conducted on the two deceased individuals, and further investigations into the drug distribution routes are planned.

Between the 2nd and 3rd of this month, a sexual assault incident occurred at an entertainment bar in Gangnam-gu. It is reported that a woman filed a complaint with the local police station claiming she was sexually assaulted. On the 24th of last month, a group sexual activity took place at a club in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. The police arrested one business owner and two employees on charges including facilitating prostitution. A police official stated, "As COVID-19 has subsided, the nightlife district is reviving," adding, "There also seem to be newly opened places operating mainly for regular customers."

Lack of CCTV and Difficulty Proving Intent in Murder Cases

The police agree that the absence of CCTV and limitations in investigative continuity due to systemic issues pose challenges. In the Gangnam drug case, the police received three 112 emergency calls before the two deaths but could not prevent the incident. The unique nature of the entertainment bar played a role again. There was no CCTV inside the room where the incident occurred. When the police arrived at the scene, the customer had already left, and all the drinking glasses had been cleared away. Additionally, due to the refusal of the female employee who was the victim, preliminary drug tests could not be conducted. A police officer said, "We could not arrest on the spot without a warrant based solely on a drug suspicion report," and "Voluntary accompaniment is also impossible if the victim refuses."

So, is punishment possible? In drug-related death cases, the key is to find evidence proving intent to kill. Without CCTV, proving actual drug use relies on reconstructing the incident based on testimonies from the involved parties. Since some related individuals have died or left the scene, additional investigations into customers, employees, and other parties are necessary. If intent cannot be proven, only charges such as violation of the Narcotics Control Act can be applied. It is known that four people, including customers and employees, tested negative in preliminary drug tests.

Regarding group sexual activities, since they were conducted voluntarily, there is no appropriate legal basis for punishment. Under criminal law, a person who facilitates sexual acts for profit can be sentenced to up to three years in prison or fined up to 15 million won.

Meanwhile, the police conducted crackdowns on illegal prostitution mainly in nightlife districts with high reports in May. A police official said, "Since the lifting of social distancing, crimes have increased mainly in nightlife areas, so we inspected sites related to illegal prostitution in May," adding, "However, inspections focused mainly on places where past incidents had occurred."

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