Police failed to rescue a woman who dialed the emergency hotline twice before being raped by two men in a motel.

The local police agency announced on Wednesday the incident which took place on Saturday in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, further stirring public fury over police inaction.

According to the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, a woman had dialed 112 twice at around 5 a.m. but was unable to get through to an operator.

Police report that the 39-year-old was dragged to a motel after accepting a ride home by the two men, a 33-year-old and 27-year-old, who she met in a bar earlier that night.

Police have arrested both men on charges of confinement and rape, and are investigating why the victim was unable to reach an operator.

Police officials are already under fire for their lax response in a high-profile rape and murder case earlier this month.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)