Prosecutors Demand 5-Year Prison Sentence in Second Trial for Comedian in 'KBS Bathroom Illegal Filming' Case

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested a heavy sentence again in the appellate trial for a KBS freelance comedian, formerly employed by KBS, who installed an illegal hidden camera in the women's restroom of the KBS Research Building in Yeouido, Seoul.

On the 22nd, at a hearing held by the Criminal Appeals Division 3 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Heo Jun-seo), the prosecution demanded a five-year prison sentence for Park Mo (30), who was indicted on charges including violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming using a camera, etc.).

The prosecution also requested the court to impose a five-year order for the disclosure of Park's personal information and a restriction on employment at child and youth institutions and welfare institutions for the disabled.

Previously, the first trial court sentenced Park to two years in prison, ordered 40 hours of participation in a sexual violence treatment program, and imposed a three-year employment restriction at related institutions. Both the prosecution and Park's side appealed, claiming the sentencing was unfair.

On this day, Park's defense attorney emphasized, "The defendant admits to the charges and is sincerely reflecting on his actions," adding, "There is no fact of sharing or distributing the filmed material, and he is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record." In his final statement, Park tearfully said, "I am sorry to the victims. I will reflect and live with remorse."

Park was brought to trial on charges of filming or attempting to film the victims a total of 32 times until April of this year, including raising his hand over the partition in the KBS Research Building restroom in 2018 to capture a victim while she was using the toilet.

Additionally, from May 27 to 29, he was investigated for filming or attempting to film the victims changing clothes in the restroom 15 times, and it was found that he possessed seven of these filmed materials.