Man who forced sexual relations and childbirth on 12-year-old girl... Prosecutors appeal against first trial verdict

The prosecution has appealed the first-instance verdict against a man who had sexual relations with a 12-year-old elementary school student and caused her to give birth.

Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office

According to the legal community on the 2nd, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office appealed the first-instance ruling that sentenced 19-year-old man A, accused of statutory rape of a minor, to 1 year and 8 months in prison, exempted him from the order to disclose personal information, and the employment restriction order, citing reasons such as inappropriate sentencing. Earlier, A's side also submitted an appeal immediately after the first-instance verdict.

The prosecution explained the reason for the appeal, stating, "Considering the victim's age, the motive and outcome of the crime, the serious nature of the offense, the fact that the victim and her family have not forgiven him, and the method and course of the crime, there is a high risk of reoffending."

A is accused of having sexual relations three times over about a month with a 12-year-old elementary school student he met through social networking services (SNS) in December 2021, resulting in the birth of a child. After the incident, the victim and her family suffered mental shock and have been receiving treatment, and the child born was reportedly sent to an adoption agency.

The first-instance court stated, "The nature of A's crime is serious as he raped a 12-year-old victim who was at an age to form a healthy sexual identity and values," and "The victim also experienced unwanted pregnancy and childbirth." However, the court explained the sentencing reasons by considering "the defendant's cooperation with the investigation and his full admission of the crime while showing remorse."