Nude model in deep despair over leaked photo

This is the photo of a male model secretly taken during a drawing class at Hongik University and posted to an online community. The photo went viral, leaving the model in deep despair. It has been pixelated to protect the model's identity. We decided to publish it to draw attention to the devastation the so-called hidden camera can wreak on people. / Captured from Womad.

By Oh Young-jin

A picture of a nude man posted to an online community on May 1 has caused uproar. The picture was of a model posing at a croquis drawing class at Hongik University.

Tagged were disparaging comments about his body. Who took the photo and uploaded it is yet to be found.

The photo was removed from the site and Hongik University apologized but the photo had already gone viral.

The model was reportedly unable to get on with his life, remaining secluded and crying for days.

Nude models' association head Ha Young-eun revealed the situation during a radio show Tuesday.

Ha said the man did nude modeling as a part-time job, keeping the work secret.

According to Ha, many of the man's friends and relatives have seen the photo, taking a great emotional toll on the man.

Ha accused the school of dragging its feet on the issue by not calling police until two days after the photo appeared.

Meanwhile, more than 18,000 people have so far signed a petition calling for punishment of the person who uploaded the photo.