On July 27, 2023, three students publicized that they were sexually harassed by members of the same club. They alleged that the members of a central sports club at the University of Seoul (UOS) had sexually harassed the female manager of the club through an internet messenger. 

The group chat room, consisting of four club members, had been maintained since December 2022. In this chat space, photos of victims were shared without consent, and the offender made insulting comments such as “she is using her body to seduce.” Even more insulting words were sent through messenger for nearly a year. 

On August 3, 2023, three of the offenders were prosecuted. However, under the current law, sexual harassment is difficult to sentence. In South Korea, “Obscene Acts by Using Means of Communication” manages sexual harassment on the internet. 

According to the law, it cannot be legally punished unless the victim is in the chat room. The offenders in this case were also investigated for insult and defamation, not sexual harassment. Therefore, punishment can only come through school discipline. 

The victims of this case also reported to the UOS Human Rights Center, so that offenders can be punished at school too. The Human Rights Center determined that a reported incident constitutes sexual harassment, and currently the Division of Student Affairs is considering the level of punishment. 

The ongoing incident is not an extraordinary case, as it commonly occurs on campus. Thus, The UOS Times interviewed with the Counseling Team for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence about these issues and the procedure for resolving them.

Interview with UOS Human Rights Center

Q1. Under the current law, sexual harassment can be complex in terms of punishment. Does UOS have a disciplinary action for students who sexually harassed other students?
A1. According to current law, sexual harassment requires that the offender and victim be in an employment relationship or assumed to be work-related. However, universities generally take a much broader view of sexual harassment and sexual violence by defining it as any conduct that violates an individual’s sexual autonomy, regardless of whether it constitutes a crime under sexual harassment and sexual violence laws. Thus, based on the severity of the act, the university can request and take disciplinary action.

Q2. There may be a lot of students in similar circumstances. How can they report to the Human Rights Center? What is the procedure? 
A2. Any person who has been victimized by sexual harassment or sexual violence may submit a report to the Human Rights Center via e-mail or phone call. Then, the center is responsible for reporting and registering. The next step is requesting punishment and taking measures. For the processing of the incident, it can be chosen between resolution between the concerned parties, arbitration, or submission to the deliberative committee. The post-procedure goes to the Division of Student Affairs.  

Q3. Can the international students also get help from the Human Rights Center about these sexual harassment problems? 
A3. Yes, they can. The Human Rights Center provides assistance to all members of UOS. Even if only the respondent or victim is a member of the university, it is possible to proceed with the case under this regulation.

Sexual harassment should not occur on any occasion. As UOS is seriously dealing with the recent chat room incident, the university considers that these problems are unacceptable. Also, the Human Rights Center is trying to eliminate sexual harassment on campus and is eager to help students who are struggling with these issues. The UOS Times also hopes that no one is harmed by sexual violence, especially by one’s colleagues. 

Jeon Eun-a  
jjdosa123@gmail.com