Probe into 'Lolita' photographer Rotta's rape case gathers momentum

Photographer Rotta. Yonhap

By Jung Hae-myoung

“Lolita” photographer Rotta, famous for collaborations with celebrities, will likely face an investigation over allegations he raped or “pseudo”-raped models.

The Seoul Mapo Police Thursday asked prosecutors to probe Rotta, whose name is Choi Won-suk, for allegedly raping three models.

One of the victims, 18, made the first allegations of Rotta's sexual assaults on an MBC news program in February. “He said we will shoot a party-themed photo,” she said. “When I went to the motel, he didn't take any pictures and raped me.”

Rotta claimed the sex was consensual.

The two victims had initially alleged they were 16 and 19, which would carry a harsher penalty because of their minor status, but police later found that they were over 18.

Rotta's photographs are controversial for the Lolita fashion and style he pursued.

Sulli, who left the popular girl group f(x), Gu Ha-ra, from the disbanded Kara, and other celebrities have worked with him.