North Chungcheong Supervisor Caught Filming with Hidden Camera in Restroom Had Three More Miniature Cameras on Him

An education supervisor from the Chungbuk Office of Education, suspected of secretly installing a small camera in the shared restroom of a restaurant during a department farewell party, was found to be in possession of several miniature cameras at the time.

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According to Yonhap News on March 11, police discovered three additional miniature cameras on Supervisor A-besides the lighter-shaped camera used in the crime-when searching his person on February 25. The additional devices were reportedly also shaped like a lighter and a car key.

The police conducted a search of A's belongings during his arrest and found these additional cameras, which were then voluntarily surrendered. It has not yet been determined whether A's cameras were used in the crime. However, the police believe that some of them were used and are currently conducting forensic analysis.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage inside the restaurant reportedly shows A entering the restroom amidst the commotion when police arrived at the scene. The police also suspect that A may have retrieved other cameras that had been installed elsewhere in the restroom during this time. The police plan to decide on further action regarding A after investigating whether there are any additional offenses.

On February 25, A was booked without detention on suspicion of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes by installing a miniature camera in the shared restroom of a restaurant in Cheongju, which he visited for a department farewell party, and filming guests' bodies. He was caught in the act and arrested by the police, who were dispatched following a report from a guest who discovered the camera in the restroom. The person who reported the incident is said to have taken the camera out of the restroom and reported it to the police.

After news of the incident became public, civic and education groups in North Chungcheong Province criticized the Office of Education's public service discipline and called for reform. As the controversy grew, the Chungbuk Office of Education stripped A of his position and announced that, regardless of the outcome of the investigation, it would impose the highest level of disciplinary action.

Yoon Kunyoung, Superintendent of the Chungbuk Office of Education, stated at the weekly policy meeting on March 9, "The recent illegal filming incident is a serious crime that has shattered the trust of our education community," and added, "Regardless of the investigation results, we will impose the highest level of disciplinary action at the Office of Education level in accordance with the zero tolerance principle." He continued, "As superintendent, I deeply feel responsible for the concern and difficulties this incident has caused our staff, and I will use all available means to support them." He also emphasized, "In particular, I will do my utmost to ensure a safe working environment and to review our internal organizational systems."

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