The tension concerning hidden cameras skyrocketed a few weeks ago, when a woman was caught secretly taking videos at a waterpark changing room. Even before this incident, personal hidden cameras were found on several university campuses in Seoul.
Such events caused Ewha students to worry about the possible hidden cameras in the school campus, to which General Affairs has revealed that the school regularly scans the campus grounds. The school has, in fact, been checking for hidden cameras in bathrooms since 2013. They have been inspecting the campus annually, before the start of the fall semester. This year, the school held an inspection in July, and to this point, no hidden camera has been found.
The school informed that the detection of hidden cameras began with the concern about the safety of students. As a women’s university where students can be scared of using bathrooms due to the possibility of hidden cameras, the school felt the need of an annual inspection. However, the inspection has been limited to the 1,500 toilets on campus due to its large undertaking.
“The school will try to prevent any crimes through strict inspection and monitoring of suspicious people,” said an official from the General Affairs. “We also have plans to inspect dubious areas where cameras may be installed other than restrooms.”
Considering the danger of the issue, General Affairs is planning to inspect the areas twice a year, starting from 2016. Additionally it will check the Ewha Campus Complex (ECC) and Student Union.
Students are welcoming the active measures the school is taking.
“I always become anxious when I use a restroom outside of my house,” said a student who wishes to remain anonymous. “Almost obsessed with checking for hidden cameras, I look at the ceiling and screws in the toilet stalls, which might turn out to be hidden cameras. I think the school is doing well in response to this issue.”
Jang Min-jeong
minjeongjang@ewhain.net