The police in Hyehwa in central Seoul have arrested a 17-year-old who had been under police surveillance. He, along with a 14-year-old boy, is accused stealing 10- million-won worth valuables from public saunas and youth centers.
According to the police, the boy, a Kim, stole smartphones in public steam houses since March. The total value of his theft was estimated at 11.83 million won ($10,000).
The more bizarre aspect of his activities, committed in collaboration with a younger acquaintance, is that he was running from a youth protection center after having been taken into custody for similar crimes.
Kim, who reportedly ran away from home, lied to the protection center that he grew up in an orphanage in the hope of gaining sympathy from the authorities.