SOCIETY

'I didn't know it was wrong': Chinese tourist faces 1.5 years in prison for 27 illegal recordings in Seoul

by
Jeon Sae-nal
Published : Nov. 12, 2026 - 18:27:07
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Prosecutors seek 1 year, 6 months for Chinese man in his 20s

A hidden phone used to illegally film women at Gangnam Station on Seoul Metro Line 2.
A hidden phone used to illegally film women at Gangnam Station on Seoul Metro Line 2.

Prosecutors have sought a prison term of one year and six months for a Chinese tourist accused of illegally filming women's bodies dozens of times in central Seoul, including in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu.

At the first hearing of the case Thursday at Seoul Eastern District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Ji-min of Criminal Division 9, prosecutors asked the bench to impose that sentence on the suspect, a Chinese man in his 20s identified only as A.

Prosecutors also requested that the court order disclosure of A's personal information, issue a notification order and impose a five-year employment ban in certain sectors.

A is accused of filming women's bodies in a total of 27 incidents across Seoul — including in Seongdong-gu, Mapo-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu — between July 31 and Aug. 4.

The defense acknowledged all charges.

In a final statement, A said, "It was my first trip to Korea, so I was ignorant." A added, "I sincerely regret the harm I have caused to Korean society and will never repeat such actions."

A reached a settlement with one of the victims who could be contacted.

A entered South Korea in July for tourism. Police arrested A on Aug. 4 and imposed a travel ban to prevent departure from the country.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 26.


newday@heraldcorp.com
This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.

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