Man who was tied with blue tape and had tongue cut off during forced kiss sentenced to prison, appeals saying "I was the victim"

Busan District Court.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A man who had his tongue severed while forcibly trying to kiss an intoxicated woman was sentenced to prison.

On the 2nd, the 1st Criminal Division of the Eastern Branch of the Busan District Court announced that it recently sentenced Mr. A, who was arrested and tried on charges of confinement and injury during rape, to three years in prison.

He was also ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and was banned from employment at child and youth-related institutions and welfare facilities for the disabled for three years.

According to the court, the defendant tied up the victim, who was sitting in the passenger seat of a car, with duct tape and confined her. While trying to rape the victim, he attempted to kiss her by putting his tongue in her mouth, but the victim bit the defendant’s tongue in resistance, resulting in an attempted crime.

The court stated, “It is also acknowledged that during the crime, the defendant fought physically with the victim and struck the victim’s mouth area with his hand, causing injury.”

In July of last year, Mr. A picked up the victim, Ms. B, who was sitting drunk on a busy street in Seomyeon, Busanjin-gu, saying he would take her to her lodging, and drove to a secluded area near Hwangnyeongsan.

Ms. B fell asleep in the car due to the alcohol, and Mr. A purchased duct tape, soju, and condoms at a convenience store.

After parking along the road near Hwangnyeongsan, Mr. A tied Ms. B up with duct tape to prevent her from moving and forcibly attempted to kiss her.

Startled, Ms. B bit Mr. A’s tongue, causing the crime to be only attempted. About 3 cm of Mr. A’s tongue was severed, and in anger, Mr. A struck Ms. B’s mouth area, causing injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment.

After the crime, Mr. A went to the police station and filed a complaint against Ms. B, claiming, “I was bitten on the tongue while kissing.” Subsequently, Ms. B also filed a counter-complaint against Mr. A for injury during rape, claiming self-defense.

In February, the prosecution viewed Ms. B’s actions as self-defense and decided not to prosecute her, while Mr. A was arrested and indicted on charges of injury during rape and confinement.

The court explained the sentencing by stating, “Considering the method and circumstances of the crime, including binding, confinement, and assault, Mr. A’s responsibility is heavy, and he did not make efforts to restore Ms. B’s damages.”

It also ruled, “Despite the investigation revealing that Mr. A purchased duct tape and condoms, he gave false statements and showed no remorse for the crime.”

Mr. A reportedly claimed that he bought the duct tape to repair a broken fishing rod.

Both Mr. A and Ms. B have appealed the first trial verdict.