Film About Sex Crimes Enrages South Korea

A new film based on a real-life rape story has caused an uproar in South Korea. Based on a novel that tells the true story of a 13-year-old deaf girl who was raped by a school official in the southwestern city of Gwangju, The Crucible has inspired lawmakers to push for greater penalties for sexual crimes, which have been widely overlooked in the country. Since it was released on Sept. 22, 4.4 million people—including President Lee Myung-bak—have seen the film. Lee's cabinet has since vowed to check schools for teachers with records of sexual abuse, and the Education Ministry said it will shut down the school where the infamous rape occurred.