Recently, a controversy has erupted as a YouTube channel disclosed the identities of men alleged to be perpetrators of the 2004 Miryang gang rape case. Amidst this, actress Chun Woo Hee, who starred in the film 'Han Gong-Ju' inspired by the incident, explained her motivation for taking the role, saying, "I hoped that those who were hurt could find solace while watching."

On June 6, Chun Woo Hee appeared on tvN's variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' and shared, "'Han Gong-ju' was a project that everyone came together to film without a budget," adding, "We were concerned whether the public would pay attention to such a difficult story, but we were certain that our story had significant meaning."

Released in 2014, 'Han Gong-Ju' depicts the story of the main character, a victim of gang rape, as she transfers to a new school and the events that unfold after that. Director Lee Su Jin mentioned in a 2019 interview with Cine21, "During 'Han Gong-ju', I was very reluctant to mention the actual incident. I was worried it would be dismissed as a thing of the past if it was based on a true story. I wanted to emphasize that the violence they experienced is still happening around us today." With this film, Chun Woo Hee won the Best Actress award at the 35th Blue Dragon Film Awards, marking her significant rise in public recognition.

Chun Woo Hee expressed a deep affection for the role she played in 'Han Gong-Ju.' She said, "It felt like Han Gong-Ju and I spent time leaning on and depending on each other. I always wanted to be there for her. Although I've let go of other characters I've played, I felt a sense of duty to always protect Gong-ju. I think I had a sense of obligation." She added, "I wanted to shine a light on marginalized people, and hoped that those who were hurt could find some comfort while watching."

The Miryang gang rape case, which inspired 'Han Gong-Ju,' involved 44 high school students luring a middle school girl from Ulsan to Miryang and collectively raping her over a year in 2004. Out of the 44, only 10 were prosecuted for special rape and forcible molestation by the Ulsan District Prosecutors' Office's special investigation team, while 20 were sent to juvenile court. Thirteen were not prosecuted due to settlements with the victim or not being named in the victim's complaint, and one was transferred to Changwon District Prosecutors' Office due to involvement in another case. Those prosecuted were eventually sent to juvenile court and received probation, which doesn't leave a criminal record. In the end, none of the 44 faced criminal punishment.

Additionally, it was revealed that the police from Ulsan Nambu Police Station, who handled the case, insulted the victims by saying they had "tainted Miryang's water" and forced them to identify the perpetrators in a public space at the police station. This caused a public outcry. In 2008, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that ordered the state to pay 40 million KRW to the victims and 10 million KRW to their mothers in a damages lawsuit.

SEE ALSO: Actress Chun Woo Hee to promote accessible tourism in Seoul