A South Korean court sentenced a state-run care home director to 15 years for sexually assaulting three disabled residents, including a woman who endured abuse for nearly a decade. The case, which has sparked national outrage, centers on Kim, the facility’s director, who was found guilty of raping Seo Mi-hyeon and another resident, Lee Mi-Na, after a trial that concluded in October 2026. The court ruled that Kim’s use of the term “Dad” to refer to himself with residents highlighted an exploitative power dynamic, according to Yahoo News.
Seo, who has an intellectual disability, first began living at Saekdongwon in Incheon in 2016. She described being raped by Kim during late-night visits, with no staff members available to report the abuse. I just endured it,
she told the BBC via her lawyer, as recounted in Europe Says. The abuse came to light in February 2025 after Seo suffered a head injury during an attempted sexual assault, which she claimed was caused when she pushed Kim away, prompting him to throw a glass at her. Her mother later discovered the extent of the abuse after being told Seo would not have to return to the home.
Failures Exposed, Concerns Unaddressed
While the court confirmed the credibility of the victims’ testimonies, a 2025 report by Woosuk University found evidence that at least 10 additional residents may have been abused by Kim. However, the court did not address this finding during the trial, prompting scrutiny of the legal process. The study, cited in Yahoo News, noted that investigators relied heavily on residents who could articulate their experiences, potentially overlooking those with communication barriers.
Saekdongwon, which houses 33 residents, was ordered to close after the scandal. The facility has not responded to allegations, and Kim is appealing his conviction. The case has prompted nationwide calls for reform, with the South Korean government launching inspections of care facilities. However, critics argue that systemic issues, such as inspections prioritizing paperwork over resident welfare, remain unaddressed. As Dazzr reported, the trial underscored a broader failure to protect vulnerable individuals in state care.
Legal Challenges Continue, Systemic Gaps Remain
Seo’s case highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in reporting abuse. She described feeling isolated, with no staff members willing to assist her. Her lawyer, Ko Eun-young, revealed that the care home refused to share CCTV footage of her injury, citing authorization restrictions. This opacity contributed to her mother’s decision to withdraw her from the facility. The case also exposed gaps in how care homes handle emergencies, as Seo’s injury was only disclosed to her family after her head wound was treated.
Kim’s appeal, pending, could alter the legal outcome. Meanwhile, the victims’ accounts have intensified scrutiny of South Korea’s disabled care system. As Europe Says noted, the scandal has reignited debates about accountability, with advocates demanding stronger safeguards for residents. The government’s response, including the closure of Saekdongwon and expanded inspections, reflects growing pressure to address institutional failures.