60-Year-Old Man Found Not Guilty of Asking a Minor "Can I Touch Your Chest?"

A man in his 60s who was prosecuted for asking a teenager "Is it okay to touch your chest?" was acquitted.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A man in his 60s who was tried on charges of asking a minor he knew, "Can I touch your chest?" was acquitted.

On the 14th, Judge Park Sang-hyun of the Criminal Division 4 at Gwangju District Court acquitted A (63), who was tried on charges of violating the Child Welfare Act.

A was tried on charges of sexually abusing a minor after allegedly saying twice, "Can I touch your chest?" while talking with B (17, female), who was at the cashier of a sports facility in Gwangju in June last year.

It was reported that A regularly attended the sports facility and had a close relationship with B, including tutoring her in her studies.

The court stated, "It is hard to readily accept that A suddenly said 'Can I touch your chest?' while having a conversation with B about life goals or family. Apart from this incident, there is no evidence that A sexually harassed B, attempted physical contact, or said or did anything that would cause shame."

Furthermore, the court explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "Considering that after this incident B asked A to lend her money, there are doubts about the sincerity of the accusation. Based solely on the evidence submitted by the prosecution, it is difficult to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the charges are proven. There is no other evidence to support this."