‘I Wanted to Compare My Small Penis with Other Men’s’: Doctor Who Hid Spycam in Bathroom Confesses

A Scottish doctor who secretly filmed dozens of people in bathrooms using hidden cameras has been jailed after admitting he did it to compare his body with other men. Ju Young Um, 34, confessed that he installed spycams in air fresheners and smoke alarms in bathrooms over a three-year period because he was self-conscious about having a “small penis.”

The anaesthetist, who worked at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, was sentenced to 18 months in prison following his conviction on 23 charges at Glasgow Sheriff Court. His offences took place at an Airbnb property he part-rented in Glasgow’s Hyndland area, as well as in staff accommodation at the hospital.

The covert filming came to light when a guest at the Airbnb grew suspicious after noticing two air fresheners oddly positioned to face the shower and toilet. Upon closer inspection, hidden cameras were found inside the plastic containers. A third device was later discovered inside a smoke alarm. The guest contacted police, who seized Um’s phone, laptop, and storage devices. Investigators found recordings of 30 people, including 21 men and nine women—four of whom were medical professionals.

Prosecutors described the crimes as calculated and sexually motivated. Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said Um had “abused a position of trust to significantly violate the privacy of numerous individuals.” He added, “These invasive offences were premeditated and deeply harmful to the victims involved.”

The recordings, which date from November 2020 to August 2024, included footage of individuals using the toilet and showering. In some cases, victims were filmed repeatedly over weeks and months. One colleague, who had visited Um for dinner, said he felt “shocked and betrayed” after learning he had been filmed in the bathroom. Another was recorded nine times without his knowledge.

In court, Um said he was diagnosed with suspected gigantism as a teenager, which he believed may have affected his body’s development. He claimed that this led to long-standing insecurities and a form of body dysmorphia, diagnosed only after his arrest. He admitted to secretly filming others to compare his genitals with theirs.

Following his conviction, Um was suspended from medical practice and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. Upon release, he will be on licence for nine months and subject to close monitoring.

Detective Sergeant Cameron Gilchrist of Police Scotland condemned Um’s actions, calling them “despicable and distressing.” He praised the victims for coming forward and encouraged others to report sexual offences, assuring full support from officers and partner agencies.

Sheriff Owen Mullan said the serious invasion of privacy and emotional harm caused to victims meant a custodial sentence was unavoidable. The case has raised concerns about hidden surveillance in short-term rentals and professional settings, prompting calls for greater awareness and prevention efforts.