She Was Held Captive and Raped by Ex-Boyfriend for Weeks. How a Washing Machine Helped Convict Him

A South Korean man was sentenced for raping his ex-girlfriend after at least one of his attacks was recorded by a security camera — through its reflection on a washing machine door.

The 24-year-old man, who has not been named in South Korean media, was sentenced to seven years in prison, The Korea Times, The Korea Herald and Co -worker reported this week. The BBC also reported on this case, citing local media.

The man’s ex-girlfriend, whose age was not clear, told police he had raped her at least six times between March and April of 2024, The Korea Times and YTN reported, citing an indictment. Per the indictment, she also told police he had held her captive for several hours.

His attacks began when she told him she wanted to end their relationship after discovering sexually explicit photos and videos of other women on his phone, the outlets reported.

The man initially denied the allegations — but later admitted to the crimes after investigators presented damning, albeit unconventional, evidence, per the outlets.

Part of the attack was captured in CCTV footage the victim provided to authorities. But the attack itself was not in clear view of the video.

The footage, which Korea Times and YTN reported was 39-minutes long, captured a clear view of the man and woman only for two minutes, which did not include the attack.

For the other 37 minutes of the clip, the attack could be witnessed in the reflection caught in the plastic door of the washing machine, per The Korea Times,The Korea Herald and YTN.

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The man had already been convicted of the crime in November, and the latest sentencing came after he tried to appeal his sentence, per the outlets.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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