Lecture Notes: Alleged Snuff Filmmaker in South Korea

Introduction

• Discussion revolves around the case of Mr. Na, accused of kidnapping and sexual assault.
• The case includes elements of childhood disappearances, disturbing VHS tapes, and alleged snuff films.

Main Characters

• Somi: The wife of Mr. Na, discovers unsettling videos while cleaning.
• Mr. Na: Accused of serious crimes, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
• Missing Girls: Two young girls in South Korea, connected to the case.

The Discovery

• Somi finds VHS tapes while cleaning the house, which leads to disturbing revelations.
• The tapes feature Mr. Na in inappropriate and illegal acts.
• Somi is confronted with the reality of her husband’s past, including an old video of him with another woman.

The Tapes

• The first tape shows Mr. Na in a sexual context, calling out a woman's name that is not Somi's.
• The second tape reveals Mr. Na with a young girl who has gone missing, leading to horrific implications.
• Somi feels the tapes must be connected to the recent disappearance of a girl in their town.

Missing Children

• Discussion of child disappearances in the town, particularly in June.
• Superstitions surrounding the disappearances, with residents believing a child must be sacrificed.
• Two specific cases of missing girls that coincide with Mr. Na's background.

Investigative Findings

• Mr. Na's history of past accusations involving child exploitation.
• Letters written by Mr. Na claiming innocence and accusing the police of corruption.
• Suspicions raised by his previous ex-wife about his potential involvement in child snuff films.

The Letter

• Mr. Na writes letters to the producers questioning his treatment and claims that he is being unfairly accused.
• He insists on the validity of his love for his wife and claims that the accusations are fabricated.

Authorities' Investigation

• Police investigation leads to questioning the credibility of posts made online regarding the missing girls.
• No concrete evidence to tie Mr. Na to the disappearances, but a pattern of concerning behavior emerges.

The Victims

• Min-Soo: A victim who describes being assaulted by Mr. Na as a child, corroborating Somi's discovery of the tapes.
• Other victims also come forward, detailing similar experiences of being lured and assaulted.

Legal Proceedings

• Mr. Na’s trial for assault and kidnapping.
• Previous conviction for murder of his brother-in-law.
• Discussion on the statute of limitations affecting the ability to prosecute for earlier crimes.

Conclusion

• The unresolved nature of the case leaves many questions.
• Somi’s decision to confront Mr. Na about the tapes leads to further complications.
• The ongoing concern about Mr. Na's release and his potential for re-offending.
• Emphasis on the importance of addressing and reforming laws around kidnapping and child exploitation.

Reflections

• The case raises questions about justice for missing children and the legal system's protection for vulnerable populations.
• Discussion on the psychological implications of crimes against children and society’s response to such heinous acts.