The “Sister Hong” scandal has rattled South Korea, not just for its disturbing revelations but also for sparking urgent conversations around digital crimes, particularly spycam abuse. The case centres on influencer Hong, who secretly filmed intimate encounters with men without their consent and shared the footage on Telegram.
While similar cases have typically focused on women as victims, this time, it’s the male victims who have come forward, shattering stereotypes and shedding light on a rarely discussed issue.
What Was “Sister Hong’s” Method?
Jiao reportedly used wigs, silicone breast implants, and a trained female voice to pass as “Sister Hong.” He found potential partners online, posed as a married woman, and hosted them for sex encounters. Rather than money, he required small gifts to gain entry.
He filmed these intimate moments from hidden cameras in his rented apartment, creating private groups on platforms like Telegram to distribute the videos for around 150 yuan (~US$21) per member.
China’s “Sister Hong” spycam scandal (Credits: X)
Public Reaction: Horror or Ridicule?
Despite the gravity of non-consensual recordings, much of the response online has been mocking. Followers mimic “Sister Hong’s” look in memes and costume challenges. Conversations on social platforms have reduced male victims to punchlines. Reddit threads actively criticised the disregard for victim dignity and pointed out the homophobic tones in online mockery.
Some commentators suggest that men cannot experience lasting harm in these situations—but this case proves otherwise.
Invisible Victims in Spycam Culture
While most spycam crimes in countries like South Korea target women, men are not immune. Between 2012 and 2017, over 16,000 perpetrators were arrested in South Korea, with 98 per cent identified as male. Most victims, 84 per cent, were female, but incidents involving men are underreported and overlooked.
One Reddit user described how male victims are sometimes dismissed or asked to remain silent when reporting violations. That invisibility reinforces social stigma and discourages male survivors from speaking out.
China’s “Sister Hong” makeup is going viral (Credits: X)
Silence Turns Into Trauma
Spycam filming, or molka, causes severe emotional harm to victims. Public humiliation, stalking, relationship breakdowns, and mental distress are common consequences. Human Rights Watch has highlighted stories of survivors, both male and female, who suffered depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts after private footage leaked
Legal protections exist, but enforcement is weak. Even severe crimes receive light sentences, a fine or a suspended term, for most offenders. Male victims find even fewer legal or social resources tailored to their needs.
Legal Blind Spots Leave Men Unheard
Legal definitions of gender-based violence often focus on women. Male victims, especially of voyeurism or non-consensual recordings, fall through the cracks. Dr. Rebecca Fisico and others note that societal expectations—such as assuming a recorded man was consenting—skew public perception and deter reporting.
Outdated gender stereotypes, like assuming real men welcome any sexual situation, further silence victims. Lack of awareness, limited support hotlines, and minimal infrastructure for male survivors worsen the issue.
Why the Sister Hong Case Matters Worldwide
While the case happened in China, it points to a global crisis: digital vilification of men who fall victim to spycam crimes. As of now, authorities confirm substantial video distribution, health risks, and emotional fallout, all while mocking carried on under the guise of humour.
Public health advisors in Nanjing have begun offering screenings for those potentially exposed, recognising the urgency of transmission control.
Beyond Gender: A Wider Epidemic
South Korea’s battle with molka shows how technological ease and societal misogyny have spread spycam abuse. Hidden cameras can be built into everyday objects. Despite widespread protests and legislative reforms, only a few offenders see serious punishment.
In protests across Seoul, some activists highlighted that a female spycam offender was swiftly punished when the victim was a man, prompting anger over double standards.
What Needs to Change Now
There must be a shift toward inclusive legal definitions that cover all genders equally. Emergency services and victim support must also expand to include male survivors. Education campaigns should counter stereotypes and normalise male victimhood. Platform accountability must increase to stop the spread of illegal content.
Legal reforms are underway in some regions, but enforcement remains a challenge. Victim silencing only perpetuates harm.
Final Thoughts: Every Victim Deserves Visibility
The Sister Hong scandal is a harsh reminder: sexual privacy violations do not discriminate by gender. Men may be fewer in number, but their suffering is no less real. If society continues to treat them as a laughing matter, the epidemic will live on unseen.
It is not enough to protest when women are targeted. Acknowledging the trauma of male victims must become standard practice. Justice begins when empathy replaces ridicule.
It has been over three years since 86 (Eighty-Six) finished airing, and fans are still waiting for official news about a second season. The anime adaptation, based on the light novels by Asato Asato, aired in two parts from 2021 to 2022. These two parts were part of a single season, not two separate ones, although many fans mistook them as Season 1 and Season 2.
Since the finale, viewers have hoped for a continuation. The story of Lena and Shinei, and the rest of the Spearhead Squadron, left a strong impression. With more light novel volumes available and a solid fanbase, many expected a second season to be announced soon. But time passed without a word from the production studio, A-1 Pictures, or any of the official staff.
Now in 2025, rumors have started to appear suggesting that production for 86 Season 2 might finally be underway. Several fans have claimed on social media that internal sources point to a release in 2026. Some even say that voice actors and artists have been quietly asked to return. Still, none of this has been confirmed by any official announcements.
Within the anime community, fans are cautious. While some are excited, others remind people not to get their hopes up too quickly. It’s not the first time such rumors have spread. Earlier years also saw similar reports, which turned out to be false or unverified.
However, something feels different this time. Several anime industry insiders have mentioned that A-1 Pictures is finishing up other major projects. These include recent shows that took a lot of time and staff. With those wrapping up, it seems more likely that the studio now has room to focus on 86 again.
86 Franchise (Credits: Asato Asato and Shirabi)
86 Season 2 Rumored to Be in Production After Years of Silence
Another reason for optimism is the original light novel series. The anime only covered volumes one through three. Since then, more than ten volumes have been published, giving the studio plenty of material to adapt. The story becomes even more emotional and action-packed in later volumes. Fans are eager to see new characters, advanced mechs, and the deeper worldbuilding that unfolds.
For some fans, the wait has been too long. Online, people share messages like “It’s a crime there’s no Season 2 yet,” and “This anime deserves better.” Many believe the series is one of the most touching and underrated war dramas in anime. It mixes powerful action with deep emotional storytelling, and the animation quality was praised when it first aired.
A big question on people’s minds is whether the original team will return. The first season was praised for its music, direction, animation, and storytelling. Viewers hope that the same voice cast and staff will work on the second season. A change in director or studio could affect the final result. So far, there is no information about who would handle the sequel, if it is indeed in production.
Fans have also noticed that recent anime trends favor sequels. Studios are now more likely to return to popular titles rather than start entirely new ones. Series like Vinland Saga, Re:Zero, and Classroom of the Elite have all received new seasons after years of silence. That gives 86 fans some hope.
Hope Returns for 86 Anime Fans as Sequel May Finally Be Underway
Some people are even starting petitions online to ask the studio for Season 2. Others continue to buy the light novels and Blu-rays to show their support. Social media discussions, fan art, and reviews of the show keep the series alive in the public eye. This fan engagement may help convince the producers that interest still exists.
What made 86 special was its mix of sci-fi battles and real human pain. The show didn’t shy away from dark themes. It tackled discrimination, war, and trauma through the eyes of young soldiers. Viewers connected deeply with Shinei, Lena, and the rest of the squad. Many fans say they want closure, both for the characters and the story.
86 Franchise (Credits: Asato Asato and Shirabi)
If the rumors are true, and 86 Season 2 really is in production, it could return as early as 2026. However, until an official announcement is made by the studio or production committee, everything remains uncertain. Still, anime history shows that long waits aren’t always a bad sign. Some of the most beloved sequels have arrived after years of delay.
For now, fans continue to wait. They rewatch the old episodes, read the novels, and hold on to hope. The world of 86 is too rich to end after just one season. Whether in 2026 or later, many believe that the Spearhead Squadron will return, and when they do, they’ll have more to fight for than ever before.
You can watch 86 season 1 on Crunchyroll .
