A public petition calling for a parliamentary hearing and the appointment of a special prosecutor to reinvestigate the so-called “supporting actress gang rape case” has gained significant traction, surpassing 40,000 signatures as of January 6.
According to the National Assembly’s public petition platform, the petition—titled “Request for a Parliamentary Hearing and Special Prosecutor Regarding the Supporting Actress Gang Rape Case”—was first posted on December 26 and had reached 40,800 supporters by 6 a.m. on January 6.
The petitioner, identified only as Mr. Jo, stated that the case involves a former supporting actress who allegedly endured more than 40 instances of sexual assault and harassment by 12 individuals, including assistant casting managers, in 2004. He emphasized that the case was never properly investigated due to what he described as the “absence of effective state protection.”
“There must be a thorough investigation into why the victim was forced to withdraw her complaint,” the petitioner wrote, calling for both a National Assembly hearing and an independent special prosecutor.
The case dates back to 2004, when a graduate student identified as A, who worked part-time as a supporting actress, reported that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by 12 people connected to casting and management roles within the industry.
A initially filed criminal complaints against all 12 individuals, but the accused consistently denied the allegations. During the investigation, A was reportedly subjected to severe secondary victimization, including being forced to confront her alleged attackers directly and being asked by police to draw the shapes of the perpetrators’ genitalia.
Under mounting pressure and alleged threats from the accused, A ultimately withdrew her complaint in 2006. Prosecutors subsequently issued non-indictment decisions for all 12 individuals.
In 2009, A died by suicide. Her younger sister—who reportedly suffered intense guilt for having introduced her to the supporting actress job—later also took her own life. Their father, who had pre-existing health conditions, reportedly died from a cerebral hemorrhage after the consecutive losses of his daughters.
In 2014, the sisters’ mother, identified as Ms. Jang, filed a civil lawsuit against the 12 accused individuals. However, the court ruled against her, citing the three-year statute of limitations under civil law.
The renewed public attention and growing number of petition signatures reflect widespread outrage over the handling of the case and broader concerns about sexual violence, secondary victimization, and systemic failures within the entertainment industry and law enforcement.
As the petition continues to gain momentum, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to respond—and to determine whether the long-buried case will finally be reopened in pursuit of truth and accountability.
Sources: Herald Economy,Nate News,KBS