"Could Not Control Myself": Former Superintendent Accused of Hidden Camera Crimes Requests Psychiatric Evaluation

Admits All Charges... Requests Psychiatric Evaluation
Court Rejects the Request
"Psychiatric Evaluation for Sentencing Would Cause Procedural Delays"

A former superintendent from the Chungbuk Office of Education, who was brought to trial on charges of installing hidden cameras in restaurant restrooms and training facilities, claimed to have suffered from mental illness at his first hearing, stating, "I was unable to control myself." However, the court did not accept his request for a psychiatric evaluation.

According to Yonhap News Agency on May 13, the first trial for A, the former superintendent of the Chungbuk Office of Education, accused of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, was held at the Cheongju District Court Criminal Division 6, presided over by Chief Judge Cho Jin-yong. A was arrested and indicted on charges of illegal filming using cameras and trespassing in multi-use facilities for sexual purposes.

During the trial, A's defense attorney requested a psychiatric evaluation, stating, "Since January of this year, A has experienced a rapid onset of mental health issues and could not understand or control his actions." The attorney further explained, "He is currently receiving psychiatric treatment and taking medication. We want to confirm the exact symptoms through a psychiatric evaluation."

However, the court rejected the request, saying, "Requesting a psychiatric evaluation for the purpose of sentencing would likely cause procedural delays."

A admitted to all the charges. However, he claimed that the crimes were not committed by targeting any specific individual. When the court asked, "Why did you bring a camera to the training facility?" A responded, "I did not bring it with the intention of committing a crime. I don't know why I brought it at the time, either."

A is accused of installing hidden cameras at a total of six locations—including women's dormitories at educational training facilities, a relative's house, and public restrooms at restaurants—from the beginning of this year until February, and illegally filming the bodies of 41 victims.

On February 25, he was caught in the act by police, who responded to a customer's report, after installing a lighter-shaped miniature camera in the restroom of a restaurant where a department dinner was being held. During the subsequent investigation, it was revealed that he had also carried out illegal filming in the women's dormitory of the training facility and in a restroom at a relative's house in a similar manner. A total of 47 illegal recordings were found on four confiscated cameras.

The Chungbuk Office of Education held a disciplinary committee in March and dismissed A from his position.

The next trial is scheduled for June 1.