Former South Korean Disabled Care Home Director Jailed for 15 Years Over Sexual Assault

A South Korean court has sentenced the former head of a care home for disabled people to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting multiple residents. The defendant, identified by his surname Kim, was convicted of abusing three residents at the Saekdongwon facility, located in Incheon City, west of Seoul. The ruling remains subject to appeal.

Police launched an investigation into the facility after a woman with a severe intellectual disability reported the abuse in February last year. Following the allegations, an in-depth assessment commissioned by Ganghwa County revealed that 20 current and former female residents may have been subjected to sexual abuse.

Government Response and Nationwide Inspections

The case sparked widespread public outrage and led to nationwide government action. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok characterized the abuse at Saekdongwon as a grave issue that questioned the fundamental role of the state. In response, authorities initiated inspections across 1,507 facilities for disabled individuals nationwide, uncovering 33 suspected cases of abuse.

The incident has also raised broader concerns regarding how the actions went undetected for an extended period, particularly following the passage of stricter legislation in 2011 designed to safeguard individuals with disabilities from sexual violence.

Facility Closure and Legal Challenges

Local authorities have taken measures to shut down the establishment. Ganghwa County ordered the closure of Saekdongwon, and Incheon City officials revoked the operating license of the foundation managing the facility. However, the physical shutdown has been delayed until all remaining residents are relocated and suitable independent living arrangements are finalized. Meanwhile, the foundation has launched an administrative lawsuit to contest the revocation of its license.