Late Goo Hara's Biological Brother "No Remorse from Perpetrator... Urges Strong Punishment for Dating Violence"

Singer the late Goo Hara's dating violence perpetrator Choi Jong-beom (28) is attending the final trial held in May last year at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Goo Ho-in, the late singer Goo Hara's biological older brother, has expressed his stance regarding the news about the appeal trial of Choi Jong-beom (28), the perpetrator of the late Goo's dating violence case.

On the 6th, Goo posted on his Instagram, saying, "I am speaking on behalf of the victim's family regarding the news that the appeal trial of Mr. Choi's case will begin in May."

He stated, "The perpetrator Mr. Choi was sentenced to probation in the first trial and was released into society. However, after being released on probation, Mr. Choi opened a hair salon and shockingly held an opening party, showing a completely opposite attitude to remorse," adding, "Our family and many acquaintances who have cared for and loved Hara cannot contain the indescribable anger toward Mr. Choi's shameless behavior."

He continued, "Unfortunately, the punishment level for dating violence in our country is still too low, and protection for victims is too weak," and lamented, "Even though the first trial acquitted Mr. Choi of secretly filming, it recognized that the victim suffered severe mental distress due to assault and threats, yet he was sentenced to probation and allowed to return to society, which is utterly incomprehensible."

He further urged, "We once again strongly call for severe punishment for Mr. Choi, the perpetrator who greatly influenced Hara's extreme choice," emphasizing, "We sincerely hope that even in the second trial, a wise judgment by the court in line with common sense and justice will impose appropriate punishment on the person who committed such a heinous crime."

Regarding the online petition for the 'Goo Hara Act' in the National Assembly, Goo said, "As a result of many people sympathizing with the Goo Hara Act, our submitted petition to the National Assembly has received 100,000 signatures," adding, "Now our petition has been officially submitted to the National Assembly and referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. We hope the Goo Hara Act will be enacted in the new National Assembly."

The appeal trial of Mr. Choi, who was charged with assault and threats against the late Goo Hara, will resume on May 21.

Mr. Choi was indicted without detention on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (filming using a camera), threats, injury, coercion, and property damage. In the first trial, Mr. Choi was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with 3 years probation. He was acquitted of the illegal filming charge.