An 80-Year-Old Grandfather Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Masturbating in Front of His 10-Year-Old Granddaughter, Described as 'Inmyeonsusim'

Court: "An Atrocity... Reflect on Your Actions"

Jeju District Court. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] An 80-year-old grandfather who committed multiple acts of obscenity in front of his 10-year-old granddaughter was sentenced to six years in prison and taken into custody in court.

The Jeju District Court, 2nd Criminal Division (Chief Judge Jang Chin-su) on the 22nd sentenced A (81) to six years in prison on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, etc. (forcible molestation within family relations).

Additionally, the court ordered A to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and imposed a five-year employment restriction at institutions related to children and adolescents. A, who had been on trial without detention, was taken into custody following the prison sentence.

A is accused of molesting B (then 10 years old), his granddaughter, three times from July 2017 to April of the following year, including performing masturbation in front of B.

The court did not accept a settlement agreement submitted by B’s father, who is also A’s son, requesting leniency, stating that "the proper settlement process cannot be confirmed."

The court explained the sentencing, saying, "The crime is serious as it caused mental suffering to the granddaughter who should grow up properly and develop healthy sexual values. Considering that the defendant admitted all charges, is a first-time offender, and that the victim’s father does not wish for punishment, the sentence was determined."

After sentencing to imprisonment, the court said to A, "This case is extremely difficult to forgive. It is a crime against humanity, and we hope the defendant deeply reflects on this."