A South Korean court has jailed the former head of a disabled care home after sexual assault allegations surfaced.
The man, surnamed Kim, received a 15‑year prison sentence for abusing three residents at the Saekdongwon facility in Incheon, west of Seoul.
The probe began when a woman with a severe intellectual disability reported the abuse in February last year. Police unearthed details from further interviews, leading to a full court case.
Reaction was swift: the Ministry of Health and the national government ordered a review of 1,507 care homes across the country. The audit revealed 33 suspected abuse incidents, prompting immediate action.
Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok described the scandal as a “grave matter that calls into question the very reason for the state’s existence.” He demanded higher safeguards for vulnerable residents.
An independent assessment by Ganghwa County uncovered that 20 current and former female residents might have suffered sexual abuse, highlighting a long‑standing oversight problem.
Officials have ordered Saekdongwon’s closure and revoked the license of the foundation that operated it. Acceptance of this order was halted until remaining residents are relocated and independent‑living arrangements are secured.
The foundation has filed an administrative lawsuit challenging the revocation, keeping the case in court status.
