Jamboree Organizing Committee: "Peeping in Showers Is Not a Sex Crime but a Cultural Difference"

On the 2nd, Thai Leader Entered Women's Shower Room
World Federation Issues Mild Warning After Investigation
Jeonbuk Federation Decides to Expel 80 Scouts

The organizing committee responded to the allegation of a sexual crime occurring at the Jeonbuk Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree campsite by stating that it was "not a sexual crime but a cultural difference."

On the 6th, Choi Chang-haeng, Secretary General of the Jamboree Organizing Committee, said at the Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree press center in Buan, Jeonbuk, that the recent incident of peeping in the shower room within the campsite was "difficult to consider as a sexual crime" and "is an issue caused by cultural differences."

According to the organizing committee, the sexual crime case was reported to the Jamboree comprehensive situation room on the afternoon of the 2nd. The Korea Scout Association confirmed the details of the incident and reported it to the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which dispatched the 'Safe from Harm' team to investigate.

On the morning of the 6th, a leader from the Jeonbuk Federation of the Korea Scout Association held a press conference at the World Scout Jamboree Press Center. The leader announced their intention to leave the camp due to a sexual offense within the camp grounds.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Secretary General Choi explained, "The Safe from Harm team investigated the incident," adding, "They particularly examined cultural aspects and concluded that the incident occurred due to cultural differences. After issuing a mild warning, they closed the case."

Regarding this, on the morning of the 6th, Kim Tae-yeon, Captain of the Jeonbuk Federation Scout Unit 900, met with reporters at the on-site press center and revealed, "On the 2nd, a Thai male leader estimated to be in his 30s or 40s entered the women's shower room within the campsite and was caught, with about 100 witnesses." He stated, "At 5 a.m., the (Thai) leader followed our female captain into the shower room, and after being caught on site, lied by saying he came in to shower."

Captain Kim said, "We waited as they said they would proceed according to the World Jamboree procedures, but the result ended with just a 'warning.' We reported the incident to the police together with leaders from Jeonbuk, and it was filed at the Buan Police Station. Recognizing the seriousness of the case, it was transferred to the Women and Youth Investigation Unit of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency."

According to Captain Kim's claim, the Thai leader is still staying within the campsite, and no protective or separation measures for the victim have been taken for several days. He conveyed, "After talking with the members, they said they are scared and cannot stay in the campsite, and the female leader also said the psychological shock is too great." Ultimately, the Jeonbuk Federation Scouts decided to withdraw. The group had a total of 80 people, including 72 youths, who entered the Jamboree.

Regarding this incident, Jacob Murray, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which conducted an internal investigation, said, "Contrary to the reports, the Safe from Harm team concluded from the victim's testimony that there was no sexual harassment." Additionally, Kim Hyo-jin, head of the Women and Youth Division of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency, explained, "On the 3rd, when the police report was filed, investigations were conducted with the victim, suspect, and witnesses," adding, "It was difficult to find evidence that the suspect entered the shower room for sexual purposes." Kim also added, "We will investigate whether there are other criminal charges such as trespassing."

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