Controversy Over Illegal Filming of Korean Student at Shanghai Motor Show

A Korean high school student from Busan is at the center of controversy domestically and internationally after being stopped for alleged illegal filming at the Shanghai Motor Show in China.

The incident occurred between April 23 and May 2 during the '2025 Shanghai Motor Show', involving a South Korean male student, referred to as A, and a Chinese woman, referred to as B.

According to video footage from the incident, B felt that she was being filmed and confronted A, demanding to see his mobile phone.

A's mobile phone reportedly contained a video showing an enlarged view of B sitting down. In response, B stated, "This person filmed me without permission," and handed A over to security personnel at the venue.

At the time of the confrontation, A repeatedly apologized in English and eventually broke down in tears. Afterward, the video filmed by B was shared on a local online community in China, rapidly spreading awareness of the incident.

Domestic and International Reactions and School's Explanation

As the video circulated, Chinese netizens harshly criticized the incident, saying things like "It should be reported to the police" and "This is clearly an act of sexual harassment." They even managed to find A's social media accounts and shared personal information.

Korean netizens also raised their voices in criticism, describing it as an "international disgrace."

In response, the high school involved stated, "A did not intentionally film the woman, and after the police at the scene deleted the video, the incident was resolved, allowing the student to return home safely."

The school explained, "There was a language barrier at the scene, and without a teacher present, the student was flustered and ended up crying."

Additionally, the school mentioned, "Since returning home, A has been experiencing significant psychological distress due to the spread of the video and online harassment, and we are seeking a way for him to apologize directly to B."

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