Popular Inquiries

The Brothers Home was primarily operated by its owner, Park In-geun, who was arrested in 1987. The facility's operations were supported by the military and police, who were involved in rounding up individuals. High-ranking government officials were also implicated in covering up the abuses to avoid international scrutiny.

Yes, there were several similar cases to Brothers Home in South Korea, categorized as follows: 1. Re-education Camps: The Samchung Re-education Camp, active in the early 1980s under Chun Doo-hwan, detained 60,000 to 100,000 individuals without warrants. Detainees faced forced labor and harsh conditions, particularly during the government's crackdown on dissent, such as the Gwangju Uprising. 2. Children's Facilities and Adoption Scandals: Various institutions were involved in the abduction and abuse of children, similar to Brothers Home. These facilities often sold children for overseas adoption, exploiting them for profit. 3. Vagrant Detention Centers: During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous centers targeted homeless individuals and those considered socially undesirable. These facilities mirrored the abuses seen at Brothers Home, as part of government efforts to "cleanse" society.

Survivors of Brothers Home managed to escape through a combination of factors. Despite the fear of severe punishment, some inmates coordinated secret escape plans, though these were often at risk of being exposed by informants. The dire conditions, including physical and sexual abuse, pushed many to attempt escape despite the dangers. In some cases, family members outside the facility tried to intervene, raising awareness about the abuses, although direct assistance was limited. Ultimately, the psychological resilience and strong desire for freedom motivated survivors to take the risk and escape.

Yes, the location of Brothers Home can be visited today, though it has been repurposed as Seonghyewon, a welfare facility for the homeless in Hwaseong, South Korea. While the original structures are gone, visitors can learn about its history and the human rights abuses through memorials and educational programs. It's advisable to check with local resources or human rights organizations for current visitor access details.

Forced Detention: Individuals were unlawfully detained at "Brothers Home" through coercive means, targeting marginalized groups like the homeless and those with mental health issues. Physical Abuse: Inmates suffered severe beatings and systematic torture, with many survivors reporting extensive mistreatment. Sexual Violence: Female inmates faced sexual assault and rape, representing severe violations of human rights. Death Incidents: Harsh conditions and abuse led to at least 657 confirmed deaths, though the actual number may be higher. Lack of Legal Process: Detainees were held without legal justification or due process, violating international human rights laws. Psychological Trauma: Survivors endured significant psychological trauma, with many still grappling with the long-term effects.