A 21-year-old man has been charged for sprinkling a harmful substance on toilet paper in a women's restroom at a commercial building in Seoul.
On June 2, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced that Kim, a social service worker, was indicted on charges of injury and violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.
According to prosecutors, Kim is accused of spraying capsaicin on toilet paper in a women's restroom in the Sillim-dong area of Gwanak-gu on April 26, causing injury to one woman.
Around 9 p.m. that day, a woman reported experiencing pain after using the contaminated toilet paper. Police responded to the call, collected the tainted paper, and arrested Kim two days later after he turned himself in.
Investigations revealed that Kim had entered the restroom more than seven times since January to install a miniature camera, capturing images of four women using the facilities.
Initially, Kim claimed during police questioning that the substance on the toilet paper was adhesive used for camera installation. However, tests conducted by the National Forensic Service confirmed it was capsaicin.
Capsaicin is the active component that gives chili peppers their heat, and contact with skin can cause burning, stinging, and severe pain. High concentrations can lead to symptoms such as hyperventilation and increased blood pressure.
If capsaicin comes into contact with skin, it is recommended to wash the area with soap and lukewarm water or wipe it with fatty substances like milk or yogurt, as capsaicin dissolves better in oil than in water.
If inhaled, individuals should move to an area with fresh air, and if symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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