Women pillory police chief over hidden camera measures

One of the suspects in the case of sexual molestation of a famous YouTuber is brought in to the Mapo Police Station Sunday. He is suspected of luring young women and forcing them to pose for nude photos at a photographic studio three years ago. The YouTuber, Yang Ye-won, recently disclosed she was a victim. The case comes against a background of growing awareness among women of gender inequality, also illustrated by recent large demonstrations over police investigations into hidden cameras used to take photos of women in private moments and the images spread online. / Yonhap

By Oh Young-jin

Women have attacked National Police Commissioner Lee Chul-sung for his "half-baked" attempts to deal with the problem of hidden cameras that victimize them.

Commissioner Lee appeared on a presidential office-run SNS program where he said more surveillance cameras will be installed in cul-de-sacs and public restrooms.

Over the weekend, thousands of women protested against police delays in probing cases involving hidden cameras used to take photos of women in private moments that were spread online in contrast to their prompt response to a recent case involving a male nude model posing for a drawing class at Hongik University.

"Commissioner Lee's measures only upset me ... he should resign," one Twitter post said. "Even now, hidden cameras are up and running," said another.

The women's protests against the cameras have resonated with a broad group of feminists through Instagram and Twitter, with postings pledging support.

Nearly 50,000 people also have signed a petition at the presidential office website calling for punishment of those involved in not just making, selling and using hidden cameras but also those who fail to take action against them. Cheong Wa Dae is obligated to take action if the number surpasses 200,000.