South Korea jails disabled care home head for sexually assaulting residents

A South Korean tribunal has sentenced the former head of a disabled care facility to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting three residents at the Saekdongwon installation in Incheon City, west of Seoul. Police launched an investigation after a woman with a severe intellectual disability came forward in February of the previous year, alleging abuse by the man surnamed Kim. The case prompted a nationwide review of 1,507 disability‑care facilities, during which authorities identified 33 suspected incidents of maltreatment. Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok characterized the abuse at Saekdongwon as “a sedate substance that calls into question the precise crushed for the state's existence.” An independent assessment commissioned by Ganghwa County determined that 20 current and former female residents may have suffered sexual abuse. Observers across South Korea have questioned how such violations could persist despite legislation enacted in 2011 that strengthened protections for people with disabilities against sexual assault. Some commentators have also expressed bewilderment over how the director’s conduct remained undetected for an extended period. In response, Ganghwa County has ordered the closure of Saekdongwon, while Incheon City officials have revoked the operating licence of the institution that managed the facility. The shutdown has been postponed until all remaining residents are relocated and independent‑living arrangements are finalized. The operator has filed an administrative lawsuit challenging the licence revocation.