The perpetrator was the village head as well.
A deeply disturbing case of sexual assault has left South Korea horrified, in which an 80-year-old woman suffering from dementia was allegedly sexually assaulted by her longtime neighbor and the former village leader.
On July 4, KST, JTBC‘s Case Chief reported on the incident, which reportedly took place on May 8, Korean Parents’ Day. The perpetrator allegedly took advantage of the brief absence of the woman’s family and committed the crime.
The victim’s daughter, referred to as Ms. A on the show, was reportedly alerted by her sister, who called her and told her, “Someone’s hugging mom.” Ms. A immediately checked the footage from a home surveillance camera installed in her mother’s room, which showed a man, identified as Mr. B, lying next to the elderly woman and touching her inappropriately.
Ms. A immediately called the police, but Mr. B had fled the scene by the time the police officers arrived. He was arrested three hours later and identified as a 70-something man, a former village chief, and the father of Ms. A’s longtime friend. Once a trusted figure in the neighborhood, Mr. B now faces charges of trespassing and sexual assault.
While Mr. B’s actions were horrifying enough, his legal team’s argument in the court was even more disturbing. They claimed that the two had been in a relationship for 20 years and that his sexual act was consensual. They also argued that the woman was not suffering from dementia.
The victim’s family has vehemently denied these claims, calling them an attempt to “defile” the victim further. Ms. A, who sat down for an interview with the JTBC show, appeared visibly emotional while saying, “He used her vulnerability. This is not just a crime, but a disgrace.”
Despite facing such serious charges, Mr. B got bail due to supposed health issues. Though prosecutors opposed the release, highlighting the inconsistencies in his statements and the willingness of the victim’s family to pursue justice. However, he was released under the condition of electronic monitoring until the trial. The next court hearing has been scheduled for July 14.
The case has revived discussions about the necessity of stronger protective measures for dementia patients, as well as stricter punishment for crimes involving such vulnerable individuals.
