In a deeply unsettling case that has drawn national attention in South Korea, an 80-year-old woman suffering from dementia was allegedly sexually assaulted by a longtime neighbor and former village leader. The incident reportedly took place on May 8—Parents’ Day in Korea—during a brief absence of the woman’s family members.
According to a report aired on JTBC’s Case Chief on July 4, the victim’s daughter, referred to as A, was alerted by her sister during a phone call when she said, “Someone’s hugging Mom.” Alarmed, A immediately accessed footage from a home surveillance camera installed in her mother’s room. The footage showed a man identified as B lying next to the elderly woman, touching her inappropriately.
A contacted the police without delay, but by the time officers arrived, B had fled the scene. He was arrested three hours later and later identified as a man in his 70s, a former village chief, and the father of A’s longtime friend. Despite being considered a trusted figure in the neighborhood, he now faces serious criminal charges, including trespassing and attempted sexual assault.
Disturbingly, B’s legal team denied the accusations, claiming that the relationship with the victim had lasted 20 years and that the actions were consensual. They further argued that the woman was not suffering from dementia—claims vehemently rejected by the victim’s family.
“My mother, a dementia patient, was violated. And now they’re trying to defile her further with these baseless claims,” said A, visibly emotional during the interview. “He used her vulnerability. This is not just a crime—it’s a disgrace.”
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, B was released on bail due to reported health issues. Prosecutors opposed the release, noting inconsistencies in B’s statements and the lack of forgiveness from the victim’s family. B is believed to be under electronic monitoring pending trial.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 14.
This case has sparked renewed calls for stronger protective measures for dementia patients and stricter penalties for crimes involving vulnerable individuals. It also highlights the need for more robust support systems for families caring for elderly relatives, especially those suffering from cognitive impairments.
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