Prime Minister Kim Orders Rapid, Expert‑Led Probe Into Decade‑Long Abuse at Incheon Disability Home
Updated (3 articles)
Prime Minister Launches Interagency Task Force Kim Min‑seok directed a government task force on Jan. 30, 2026, and reiterated the order on Feb. 5, 2026, to investigate sexual‑abuse claims at Saekdongwon group home in Ganghwa County, Incheon [3][1]. The task force combines officials from the health ministry, National Police Agency, and local governments, and is supported by President Lee Jae Myung’s high‑level interest [1]. Kim demanded a swift, professional inquiry and warned that officials who ignored oversight would be held accountable [1].
Head of Saekdongwon Home Accused of Multiple Rapes Police allege the facility’s director, surnamed Kim, raped and assaulted at least four women residing at the home [2][3]. The suspect has been booked and faces rape and sexual‑assault charges, while he denies most of the accusations [1][3]. The allegations emerged after a college research institute released a May 2025 report based on testimonies from 19 potential victims [2][3].
Victim Counts Differ Between Authorities and Survey police‑led special investigation unit identified a minimum of six victims, whereas a Ganghwa‑county commissioned survey counted 19 female victims aged 30‑60 [1]. Both figures reference the same May 2025 research report that documented 19 testimonies [2][3]. The discrepancy highlights uncertainty over the full scope of abuse.
Police Deploy Over 60 Officers and External Experts Following Kim’s Feb. 1 directive, the National Police Agency formed a special team of more than 60 officers and outside specialists to examine sexual assault and alleged subsidy misuse at the home [2]. The team raided the facility, removed the women for protection, and coordinated with the interagency task force [2][1]. Investigators will also probe potential misappropriation of government subsidies linked to the home [2].
Government Plans Nationwide Audit of Disability Facilities Kim instructed the health ministry to conduct a comprehensive inspection of management and human‑rights protections at residential disability facilities across South Korea [3]. The audit aims to develop improvement measures and prevent future violations, reflecting the case’s role as a test of state purpose [1]. Officials are expected to report findings promptly to ensure systemic reforms [1].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap (Feb 5): South Korean Prime Minister Orders Probe into Disability Facility Abuse: Details Kim’s renewed call for a rapid, expert‑led investigation, victim numbers from police (six) and survey (nineteen), and President Lee’s involvement .
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2.
Yonhap (Feb 1): Police Launch Special Team to Probe Abuse at Disability Group Home: Describes formation of a 60‑plus‑officer task force, focus on sexual assault and subsidy misuse, and the raid that removed women for safety .
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3.
Yonhap (Jan 30): Prime Minister Orders Task Force to Probe Abuse at Disabled Group Home: Reports initial creation of an interagency task force, health‑ministry audit mandate, and background of the May 2025 research report .
Timeline
May 2025: A college research institute publishes an in‑depth report documenting testimonies from 19 women with disabilities who allege sexual abuse at the Saekdongwon group home in Ganghwa County, sparking public outcry and prompting calls for investigation[3].
Jan 30, 2026: Prime Minister Kim Min‑seok orders the formation of an inter‑agency task force, including health‑ministry and police officials, to probe the sexual‑abuse allegations at Saekdongwon and to launch a nationwide audit of disability‑care facilities[3].
Jan 30, 2026: Police book the head of Saekdongwon, identified only by the surname Kim, on rape and sexual‑assault charges after evidence suggests he assaulted at least four female residents, and he denies most of the accusations[3][1].
Feb 1, 2026: The National Police Agency deploys a special team of over 60 officers and external experts, led by a senior Seoul Metropolitan Police official, to investigate sexual assault and alleged subsidy misuse at the home, following the prime minister’s directive[2].
Feb 1, 2026: Police conduct raids on the Saekdongwon facility, remove the women for their safety, and coordinate with the newly formed government task force to continue the probe, while the suspect remains in custody[2].
Feb 5, 2026: Prime Minister Kim demands a swift, expert‑led inquiry without sanctuary, mobilizing professional investigators and warning that officials who failed to oversee the home will be held accountable; President Lee Jae‑Myung expresses high‑level interest in a rapid resolution[1][1].
Feb 5, 2026: A police‑led special investigation unit confirms at least six victims, while a Ganghwa‑county survey counts 19 female victims aged 30‑60, underscoring the scale of abuse over an alleged decade‑long period[1][1].
2026 onward: The health ministry, tasked by the prime minister, prepares to audit all residential disability facilities nationwide and develop improvement measures to prevent future violations, signaling systemic reform efforts[3].