"Disliked" 207 Times: Female Student's Attempted Rape... Jeju National University Professor Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months in Prison

Victim "Pretended to Offer Side Dish, Put Finger in Mouth... Other Victims Will Emerge" Pleads for Severe Punishment
Court "Such Crimes Must Disappear in Republic of Korea... Defendant Will Be Made an Example"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A professor in his 60s who took a female student to a karaoke bar under the pretext of a meeting and committed quasi-rape was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.

The Criminal Division 2 of Jeju District Court (Chief Judge Jang Chan-su) announced on the 17th that it sentenced Jeju National University professor Cho Mo (61), who was tried on charges of quasi-rape, to 2 years and 6 months in prison, and ordered him to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and imposed employment restrictions.

According to the prosecution, on October 30th last year at around 5:30 p.m., Cho met student A, who was attending his class, under the pretext of having a meeting, went for a drive together, had a meal and drinks at a restaurant, and then took A to a karaoke bar.

At the karaoke bar, Cho forced A to touch specific parts of his body and attempted quasi-rape.

According to a recording file made by A on her mobile phone, she expressed refusal and resistance 207 times.

Words such as "I want to go home," "I want to leave," "Don't touch me," and screams were recorded dozens of times.

CCTV installed in the corridor of the karaoke bar also captured Cho bringing A back as she tried to escape outside.

At the second trial on July 16th, where the victim's testimony was heard, A testified, "At the karaoke bar, he pretended to give me side dishes and then put his finger in my mouth. After that act (quasi-rape) took place, I opened the door and escaped while the professor adjusted his glasses."

A also stated, "The agreement was not written because I forgave the professor, and I have never forgiven him until now," and appealed to the court for severe punishment, saying, "If that professor is reinstated, there will be other victims."

She also said, "I have no intention of returning to school after the trial," and "I dreamed of becoming an ordinary office worker after graduation, but I am living a nightmare-like life due to trauma."

The court explained the sentencing reason, saying, "Although the victim agreed with the suspect, considering that the victim pleaded for severe punishment again in her testimony, it shows that the victim did not forgive the suspect personally," and "The crime is very serious as it made the victim, who was suffering from depression and panic disorder, even consider turning away from the world."

At the first trial on June 18th, the court had ordered Cho's detention in court ex officio, stating, "Such crimes must disappear in the Republic of Korea. We will make the defendant an example."

Jeju National University removed Professor Cho from his position and excluded him from classes immediately after the incident in November.