Abuse scandal at South Korean disability care facility

An investigation into sexual abuse at a South Korean facility for individuals with disabilities began following reports of an executive assaulting a female employee. The suspect, an executive at an industrial laundry company serving as a workplace for the disabled, was arrested after a victim with an intellectual disability became pregnant as a result of the alleged assaults.

The situation escalated as authorities identified the Saekdongwon care facility in Incheon as a site of systemic abuse. A former head of the facility, identified as Kim, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the sexual assault of three residents. Investigations suggested that up to 20 current and former female residents may have been victims.

In response to the case, the South Korean government inspected 1,507 care facilities, uncovering 33 suspected abuse cases. While Ganghwa County ordered the Saekdongwon facility to close and Incheon City revoked the operating foundation's license, the closure is currently deferred pending the safe relocation of residents. The foundation is contesting the license revocation through an administrative lawsuit.