Nine-Year Sentence Sought for Man Who Sprayed Capsaicin in Women's Restroom

Prosecutors are demanding a nine-year prison sentence for a civil servant accused of a disturbing series of offenses, including spraying capsaicin on toilet paper in a women's restroom and illegally filming women.

The 21-year-old suspect, identified only as Kim, faces charges related to violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes. The prosecution requested the sentence during the final hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. Kim, in his final statement, pleaded for leniency, stating he had reflected on his actions and the pain he caused the victims during his detention.

According to the indictment, Kim is accused of spraying capsaicin on toilet paper in a women's restroom in a commercial building in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on April 26. More alarmingly, investigations revealed that between January and March, Kim had infiltrated women's restrooms seven times to install a hidden camera and record women using the facilities.

The case surfaced after police received a report of a woman experiencing pain while alone in the restroom. Authorities apprehended Kim, who had surrendered, at the scene. Initially, he claimed the substance on the toilet paper was adhesive used for installing the camera. However, analysis by the National Forensic Service confirmed the presence of capsaicin.

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During my detention, I reflected on my actions and how much pain I caused the victims.