Controversy Over Books Glorifying Sexual Violence Kept in Public Libraries

A problem has been raised that victims were exposed to secondary victimization as a book glorifying the crimes of a sexual violence perpetrator was stocked in some public libraries. The book was confirmed at several libraries, including the National Library of Korea, the National Assembly Library, and the Seoul Metropolitan Library, and a victim support group said it had identified cases of the book being stocked at more than 30 locations. According to reports, former university professor A published a novel and a poetry collection that distorted the rape crimes he committed against a student he supervised in the past or claimed he was falsely accused. Afterwards, some libraries disposed of the book or restricted access and borrowing after receiving complaints. The libraries say it is difficult to determine in advance whether deposited books contain content that amounts to secondary victimization, but experts and victim support groups pointed out that perpetrators are repeatedly distorting incidents and insulting victims through publications, saying that institutional standards need to be established.