Holding them close to their chest South Korean women held up signs with “My life is not your porn” written on them.
In 2018, over 60,000 women came together to protest against discrimination of women and Molka at Hyehwa Station in Seoul, South Korea. Molka- the Korean term for ‘secret camera’- has been sweeping across the nation. In the past few years, this insidious phenomenon has grown at an alarming rate, with over 6,800 hidden camera crimes reported in 2018. 6,800 cases of hidden camera crimes were reported to the supreme prosecutors’ office. Breach of trust plays a big part in these crimes, with cameras being hidden in locations such as women’s public toilets and motel rooms. Not only that, but the large majority of the videos and photos circulating are taken by partners or former partners. Living in a country known for its latest technology and competitive markets puts Korean women at unique danger of being exposed by the most seemingly harmless objects. Spycams have been found to reside in pens, …. And even tissue rolls.
“Inconvenient courage”- an online group, which fights against female discrimination were the leading voices behind the protest in 2018. While some protesters wore red, some shaved their heads as a symbol of their commitment to the protest.
The protest was triggered by the famous Korean case known as “Hongdae nude model”, where a nude male model was secretly photographed by another female model and immediately arrested upon discovery of the incident. This sparked an outcry amongst many of the country’s feminist groups, who accused the authorities of biased concentration on protecting the male victim whilst spycam cases involving female victims go unreported, and often uninvestigated. The case not only raised controversy on double standards but also gender inequality.
Pornography in Korea is illegal but deleting websites which livestream Molka has proven as a difficult task for the South Korean government.
To fight this crime, the government has launched a hidden camera-hunting taskforce. The inspectors are armed with detectors for digital devices and scan every nook and corner of the public building and Molka hotspots. Non- compliant teams of inspectors face fines too, as these checks have been made mandatory by the government for all transportation stations.
The government has also introduced heavier punishments for perpetrators. If an individual is found guilty, he or she can face up to five years in prison or a maximum fine £6,840. Women’s right campaigners also want tougher penalties, saying voyeurs should not be let off lightly just because they stop short of an actual physical assault.
According to a survey published by the Korean Women’s Development Institute, one in four women who have been harassed or secretly filmed has considered suicide.
This is not a Korea-specific problem, however. Countries all over the world have needed to start passing legislation surrounding hidden cameras. The UK for example only made upskirting a criminal offence in summer of 2019 after a gruelling 18-month campaign.
Figures released in 2018 revealed that girls as young as 10 have been victims of upskirting and that just a third of British police forces in England and Wales report the incidents they encounter. According to a freedom of information request by the Press Association, of the 78 incidents reported, only 11 resulted in suspects being charged using existing laws on voyeurism, indecency and public order.
The states in the US and Australia have brought out legislations against upskirting. Countries like New Zealand and India have banned upskirting too.
On 16th April 2020, South Korea held it’s a parliamentary election, with the incumbent Democratic Party winning 180 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly. This was not the only thing to note of this election, as the country’s first feminist party took part in the election too. Formation of the Women’s party comes after campaigns to end spycam porn. The party kept women’s rights and protection as a top priority on their political agenda. Although the party failed to attract voters and win seats, it’s formation is progress in itself a future for more women entering politics.
Comments