'Daytime Trail Sexual Assault' Targeting Unprotected Areas... "Need Alternatives Beyond CCTV"

Suspect "Targets Areas Without CCTV"
Residents Divided on CCTV Effectiveness
Experts "Crime Prevention Assessment Requires Comprehensive Approach"

A man in his 30s arrested on charges of sexual assault near the Seoul Gwanaksan Dulle-gil trail in broad daylight has been found to have chosen a secluded location without closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to commit the crime, increasing public anxiety. Experts emphasize that beyond installing CCTV, strengthening crime prevention assessments and creating crime-preventive environments are necessary alternatives to eliminate blind spots in security.

The forest path leading to the scene of the 'daytime trail sexual assault' incident that occurred on the 17th at Gwanaksan Mountain./Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

At around 11:30 a.m. on the 18th, near Seoul’s Gwanaksan area. Along the forest path leading to the site of the 'broad daylight Dulle-gil sexual assault' crime, CCTV cameras were hard to find. The only CCTV observed was one near a restroom about 15 minutes away from the crime scene.

Choi (30) was arrested by police on charges of assault and rape after hitting the victim, Ms. A, at 11:44 a.m. on the 17th at this location. During the police investigation, Choi stated that he committed the crime because he wanted to rape. Police found two knuckle dusters at the scene, believed to have been used as weapons. Choi confessed to wearing knuckle dusters on both hands during the crime. The police are focusing on the possibility that this was a premeditated crime.

The crime occurred on a side path about 200 meters away from a nearby park. According to Gwanak District Office, there are a total of 31 CCTVs installed in the 87,892㎡ park. Excluding those installed in public parking lots and gymnasiums, only seven CCTVs are installed within the park itself. However, there are no CCTVs installed on the various side paths connected to Gwanaksan, including the crime scene. Choi, who frequently passed through the area due to its proximity to residential areas, told the police that he chose the location because he knew there were no CCTVs.

Local residents who often visit the area for walks pointed out the absence of CCTV. Mr. Lim (58, male), who has lived in Gwanak for over 50 years, said, "This side path is scarier than others because fewer people pass through," adding, "Since there are no CCTVs, I usually come here with at least one companion when I visit." Lim also mentioned that he carried a hiking stick for self-defense following the incident the day before. Ms. Hwang (67, female) also said, "It seems the perpetrator targeted places without CCTVs and where there are no people," and added, "It would be good to have security facilities scattered around."

However, installing CCTV on every side path is challenging due to budget constraints and environmental factors. A control system official explained, "To install CCTV, electricity and communication lines are necessary, but physical conditions can be difficult, and considerations such as space availability and whether it obstructs passage must also be taken into account." Some residents met that day expressed skepticism about installing CCTV. A resident in their 70s pointed out, "While it would be good to have CCTV, there will still be dense and unpopulated areas."

Experts emphasize that measures beyond CCTV installation are needed to eliminate security blind spots. Professor Lee Geonsu of Baekseok University’s Department of Police Science suggested, "While it is necessary to strengthen CCTV installation where needed, areas judged to be dangerous through crime prevention assessments should also be managed in terms of risky time periods and the nature of walking trails." Professor Lee Woonghyuk of Konkuk University’s Department of Police Science also stated, "Various agencies from the central government and local governments should collaborate to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in such spaces, enabling natural surveillance, controlling movement paths, and establishing a monitoring system that provides an overall view," emphasizing, "A comprehensive approach is needed rather than a localized response each time an incident occurs."

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