Bikini-clad woman referred to prosecution for obscene exposure

A bikini-clad woman who roamed the streets of central Seoul in a cardboard box was referred to the prosecution on charges of obscene exposure, according to the Seoul Mapo Police Station on Friday.

The woman, reportedly a model by the name of Ain, reportedly walked the streets of Hongdae, one of the country’s famous nightlife districts, sporting a scanty outfit which was hidden from view by a cardboard box in September 2023. She is alleged to have repeated a similar act in Apgujeong, a posh neighborhood in Gangnam, in October of the same year.

The woman allegedly guided the hands of passersby through the holes on either side of the box, allowing them to touch parts of her body, including her breasts, according to reports.

The stunts garnered huge crowds, and police officials were later dispatched to the scene to dismiss them, as well as to stop the woman from continuing the performance.

While the so-called “box girl” incident sparked a wave of criticism as to what is appropriate to wear in public, the woman vented her frustration over the police’s decision to prosecute her for overexposure.

“I don’t have fake breasts. I didn’t get breast surgery. (My cardboard box performance) is not a viral marketing stunt, I just wanted to market myself (to become more popular),” she wrote on her social media.

“It’s freedom of expression. ... I don’t think I should be charged for indecent exposure. How can I be accused of making an obscene performance if (people) weren’t able to see (my body parts)?” she added.

Currently, under the country’s Punishment of Minor Offenses Act, any person who embarrasses or offends others by “excessively exposing” their naked body or exposing any part of their body “which ought to be hidden” within the view of the public, is subject to charges of obscene exposure.

When an act is determined to be one of “overexposure,” one can face a fine of up to 100,000 won ($76.03) or detention, or one can be subject to a fine for negligence. Also, under the Criminal Code, a person who publicly commits an obscene act can be punished by imprisonment of up to one year or face a fine of up to 5 million won.