"Group Sexual Assault" Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon Receive Reduced Sentences in Appeal... Court Cites "Reflection and Settlement Considered"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Singers Jung Joon-young (31) and Choi Jong-hoon (30), who were indicted on charges including gang rape and distribution of illegal videos, were sentenced to prison terms again in the appellate court.

However, some mitigating factors such as remorse and settlements were partially considered, resulting in reduced sentences compared to the original trial.

The Seoul High Court Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Yoon Jong-gu) sentenced Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon to 5 years and 2 years and 6 months in prison, respectively, on the 7th for violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and other charges.

In November last year, the first trial court had sentenced them to 6 years and 5 years in prison, respectively.

Regarding Jung Joon-young, the appellate court stated, "Although a final settlement agreement was not submitted," it considered "the fact that he is sincerely reflecting on his actions" as a reason for sentencing.

As for Choi Jong-hoon, the court said, "Since he does not admit to the charges, it is difficult to see that he is genuinely remorseful," but also noted, "Considering that he reached a settlement with the victim and that he is a first-time offender."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The court sentenced Kim, an employee of the club Burning Sun, and Kwon, an office worker, who were indicted alongside them, to 4 years in prison each, and Heo, a former employee of an entertainment agency, to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation.

The court had planned to hold the sentencing hearing for this case on the 7th, but some defendants requested a postponement, stating that "a settlement with the victim is in progress," and the court accepted this, delaying the sentencing by five days.

Jung Joon-young, Choi Jong-hoon, and others were indicted on charges of repeatedly gang raping aspiring entertainers and women they met at clubs in Gangwon-do Hongcheon and Daegu between 2015 and 2016, and filming sexual acts without consent.