1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses a recent incident in Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood where a Taiwanese woman was assaulted by Korean men. The article explores the victim’s experience and her concerns about the police response.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 폭행당하다 | Pokhaengdangdada | to be assaulted | The Taiwanese woman was assaulted by Korean men. |
| 가해자 | Gahaelja | perpetrator | The perpetrators were released by the police. |
| 신체 접촉 | Sinche Jeobchok | physical contact | One of the men made physical contact with the woman’s shoulder and head. |
| 멍투성이 | Meongtuseong-i | bruised | The woman’s whole body was bruised from the assault. |
| CCTV | CCTV | closed-circuit television | The police did not actively check the CCTV footage. |
| 여권번호 | Yeogweonbeonho | passport number | The police only checked the woman’s passport number. |
| 엄지손가락 | Eomjisongarak | thumb | The woman’s thumb was broken from the assault. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
지난 15일 밤, 서울 홍대거리에서 타이완 국적 유튜버 A씨가 한국인 남성 2명으로부터 폭행을 당했다.
Last night on the 15th, a Taiwanese YouTuber named A was assaulted by two Korean men in the Hongdae area of Seoul.
그 중 한 명은 A씨의 어깨에 손을 얹거나 머리를 쓰다듬는 등 신체 접촉을 했다.
One of the men made physical contact with A, placing his hand on her shoulder and stroking her head.
A씨가 “아무 관계도 아니지 않냐”고 말리자, 남성은 A씨에게 손가락 욕설을 하더니 “집에 데려다주겠다”며 계속해서 신체 접촉을 시도했다.
When A told them they were strangers and should not be touching her, the man responded with a rude hand gesture and said he would take her home, continuing his unwanted physical contact.
A씨는 경찰에 이를 신고하고 현장을 떠나려는 가해자들을 붙잡았다.
A reported the incident to the police and tried to detain the perpetrators as they attempted to leave the scene.
그러나 경찰은 A씨의 여권번호만 확인한 뒤 놀랍게도 가해자들을 먼저 풀어줬다고 한다.
However, the police only checked A’s passport number and then, surprisingly, released the perpetrators.
A씨는 경찰이 CCTV를 확인하거나 가해자들을 체포하는 모습을 보이지 않았다며 불만을 제기했다.
A expressed disappointment that the police did not actively check the CCTV footage or arrest the perpetrators.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Where did the assault incident take place?
- Who were the perpetrators of the assault?
- What kind of physical contact did the perpetrator make with the victim?
- How did the police respond to the victim’s report of the incident?
- What was the victim’s main complaint about the police’s handling of the case?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Incidents of violence and harassment against foreigners, especially women, have been an ongoing issue in South Korea. This case highlights the need for improved responses from law enforcement to address such crimes and protect vulnerable members of society.