DOYUN KIM FROM KINGSTON UPON THAMES CAUGHT FILMING WOMEN AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

In March 2021, a disturbing case emerged involving Doyun Kim, a 21-year-old student whose actions caused significant distress among female students at the University of Manchester. Kim was found to have secretly recorded over 20 women by filming up their skirts without their knowledge, a series of invasive acts that have left victims feeling violated and betrayed.

Authorities uncovered that Kim had stored 24 videos on his mobile phone, each capturing women in various everyday settings around the campus. These included footage taken while women were shopping, attending social gatherings, entering elevators, and boarding buses. The extent of his voyeuristic behavior was revealed during court proceedings, highlighting the invasive nature of his misconduct.

Kim, who resides on Sheephouse Way in New Malden, Kingston-upon-Thames, was arrested in November 2019 after a fellow student discovered his iPhone hidden inside bin bags. The device was set up to record peers naked in a communal bathroom, a discovery that prompted a police investigation. The investigation revealed that Kim, also known by the alias 'Eric,' had been engaging in these activities for some time, causing considerable alarm among the university community.

Victims of Kim’s actions described feelings of violation and distress, emphasizing the emotional impact of his voyeurism. The police and legal authorities took these allegations seriously, leading to Kim’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. A report from the Probation Service classified Kim as posing a 'high risk' of reoffending and a 'medium risk' of causing harm to others.

During the court hearing, Kim pleaded guilty to 22 counts of voyeurism and two counts of attempted voyeurism. His legal representative, Kate Blackwell QC, stated that her client had completed a Safer Lives program aimed at addressing his behavior, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions. She emphasized that Kim was taking steps to change, although the court recognized the gravity of his offenses.

Judge Mr. Recorder Anthony O’Donohoe expressed his appreciation for a letter from Kim, which he described as 'not self-pitying.' The judge also considered a character reference from Kim’s uncle, providing some insight into his background. Addressing Kim directly, the judge remarked, 'It seems that for a very large part of your life you were an isolated individual,' and emphasized that voyeurism is not a victimless crime. He pointed out the emotional harm caused to victims, including feelings of hurt, anger, and distress.

As part of his sentencing, Kim was ordered to complete a three-year community order, participate in the Horizon Sex Offenders Programme, and undertake 220 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict future behavior and protect the community from potential harm.