However, experts believe the actual figure is much higher since many cases go unreported. In 2021, the police reported more than 16,866 digital sex crimes. I went to a restroom at Dongdaegu train station a few days ago and found that almost every stall had at least one hole that had been plugged by other women.”Īn Uphill Battle: Women’s Fight for Justice in an Unjust System Sometimes I feel a sudden attack of fear that there might be photos or images of me being circulated that I’m not aware of. Even after making sure there is no camera, I still feel nervous and worried that I may be being filmed. If I have to use one, I spend several minutes for cameras on the toilet, the gaps between walls, the bathroom door, hinges, etc. “I’m afraid of using bathrooms when I’m outside. The following excerpt from a survivor reveals such a reality: These crimes affect how women live in South Korea – how they navigate public spaces, what they wear, and who they trust. Roughly 80 percent of the victims are female, while the majority of perpetrators are male.ĭigital sex crimes devastatingly impact victims. Non-consensual content is distributed and monetized in online forums without the victim’s knowledge. Many victims know their offender, and the crime can happen in places like one’s school, workplace, or the comfort of their own home. However, victims are not always estranged. Victims of such crimes are often strangers in spaces like toilet stalls, public transit or changing rooms. Digital sex crimes involve taking non-consensual intimate images or videos. Spy cams have been found in clocks, car keys, USB sticks, and paintings. Some are tucked out of sight, while others are disguised as household items. Spy cams are tiny, easily concealed cameras that come in different forms. The spy cam crisis is a product of deep-rooted sexism, and without a comprehensive government response, women will continue to suffer.

However, failure to address underlying cultural issues allows the crisis to endure. The government of South Korea has responded to the issue by implementing laws and policies to deter and penalize offenders. These cams disproportionately target women and film their most intimate moments without consent. Daily illegal spy cameras are placed and found throughout public spaces.

South Korea’s spy cam crisis, also known as the Molka crisis, persists despite the country’s democratization.

South korean spy cam