3 Korean men arrested for gang raping Swedish tourist

Three men were arrested on charges of gang raping a Swedish tourist they met at a nightclub in Hongdae, Seoul, the Seoul Mapo police said Wednesday.

The men, in their 20s, allegedly accosted the victim “to show her the Korean nightlife,” on May 14 in Hongdae area. 

The four of them drank until the next morning, resulting in the victim becoming heavily intoxicated. The suspects are then alleged to have taken the victim to one of the men’s flat where they sexually assaulted her and photographed her body. 

The victim reported to the Swedish Embassy, which prompted the Korean National Police Agency to launch an investigation.

The Mapo police said they were able to arrest all three suspects on May 24 based on the surveillance camera recordings and photos of the suspects left on the victim’s mobile phone.

The case has since been passed on to the Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office.

In March, a rape case involving an Australian woman in Hongdae sparked public fury when the victim disclosed details about irregularities in the local police investigation.

Hongdae is a popular area for both locals and foreigners for its unique artsy ambience. However, in February a number of establishments barred foreigners, sparking controversy.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)