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Seoul Court to Decide Arrest Warrant for Disabled Care Facility Director Kim

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  • A disabled care facility manager, accused of committing sexual violence against facility residents, appears for his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    A disabled care facility manager, accused of committing sexual violence against facility residents, appears for his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    A disabled care facility manager, accused of committing sexual violence against facility residents, appears for his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Seoul Central District Court Schedules Warrant Decision The Seoul Central District Court will rule as early as Thursday on whether to issue an arrest warrant for the director of Saekdongwon group home. The hearing follows a formal request from police who seek detention pending trial. A decision could lead to the director’s immediate custody if the warrant is granted[1].

Director Kim Charged with Multiple Sexual Offenses Director Kim, identified only by surname, faces charges of raping and molesting residents at the facility. Police allege he abused at least six individuals with severe disabilities. Kim has publicly denied all allegations, but the prosecution relies on testimonies and forensic evidence gathered by investigators[1].

Investigation Initiated in May 2025, Special Team Formed Law enforcement began probing the case in May 2025 after complaints surfaced from families of residents. A dedicated special investigation team was assembled late last month to consolidate evidence and coordinate interviews. The team’s mandate includes securing digital records, medical reports, and witness statements to strengthen the prosecution’s case[1].

Saekdongwon Group Home Serves Severely Disabled Residents Saekdongwon provides residential care for individuals with profound physical and cognitive impairments in Ganghwa County, Incheon. The facility’s vulnerable population heightens the seriousness of the alleged crimes and has drawn public scrutiny. Authorities emphasize that protecting such residents is a priority in the ongoing legal process[1].

Sources

Timeline

May 2025 – A college research institute releases an in‑depth report documenting testimonies from 19 women with severe disabilities at Saekdongwon group home, sparking public outcry and prompting police to open a probe into alleged sexual abuse and subsidy misuse[4].

May 2025 – The National Police Agency begins a formal investigation into the Saekdongwon case, later establishing a special investigation team in late January 2026 to gather evidence and pursue charges[1].

Jan 30, 2026 – Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok orders the creation of an inter‑agency task force—including health‑ministry, police, and local officials—to examine the abuse allegations, and directs a nationwide audit of disability‑care facilities[4].

Jan 30, 2026 – Police conduct raids on Saekdongwon, removing the resident women for their safety while the investigation proceeds[4].

Feb 1, 2026 – The National Police Agency launches a senior‑led special team of over 60 officers and external experts to probe sexual assault, rape, and alleged misappropriation of government subsidies at the group home[3].

Feb 1, 2026 – The suspect, the home’s director (surname Kim), is taken into custody and faces rape and sexual‑assault charges after the allegations surface in the May 2025 research report[3].

Feb 5, 2026 – Prime Minister Kim declares the case “a threat to vulnerable citizens and a test of state purpose,” orders a swift, expert‑led inquiry, and warns that officials who neglected oversight “should be held accountable”[2].

Feb 5, 2026 – A police‑led special investigation unit confirms at least six victims, while a county‑commissioned survey counts 19 female victims aged 30‑60, underscoring the scale of abuse over an alleged decade[2].

Feb 5, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung meets with Prime Minister Kim and emphasizes the importance of a rapid investigation, reinforcing high‑level government commitment to the case[2].

Feb 19, 2026 – The Seoul Central District Court schedules a hearing to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for director Kim; a warrant would allow his detention pending trial, and Kim continues to deny most accusations[1].

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