"Are You Really a Girl?" Female Teacher Pressed Female Elementary Student's Body Parts... Suspended Prison Sentence Delivered

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A female homeroom teacher who pressed a female student's sensitive body part with her finger while saying, "Are you really a girl?" was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On the 25th, according to the Busan District Court, the Criminal Division 1 of the Western Branch (Chief Judge Lee Jin-hyuk) sentenced a woman teacher in her 60s, Ms. A, who was indicted on charges of forcible molestation of a minor (violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, etc.) and other charges, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension.

The court also ordered Ms. A to attend 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures and lectures on preventing recidivism in child abuse. Employment was restricted for 5 years in child and youth-related institutions and institutions related to persons with disabilities.

In September of last year, Ms. A saw Ms. B, who had short hair, standing in the girls' line in front of the cafeteria stairs at an elementary school in Busan and, thinking she was a boy, told her to go to the boys' line.

When Ms. B said she was a girl, Ms. A, claiming to verify, pressed Ms. B's sensitive body part with her finger repeatedly.

At the trial, Ms. A argued, "I only made contact when I lost my balance and was about to fall; I had no intention to forcibly molest or sexually abuse the student."

The court did not accept Ms. A's claim, considering the victim's and witnesses' testimonies and the fact that the defendant partially retracted her statements.

The court stated, "Ms. B is at a stage of forming her sexual identity and values, and the defendant's crime could have a serious adverse effect on this. Ms. B likely felt significant sexual shame due to this incident, which suddenly occurred while she was standing in line with her friends."

However, the court explained the sentencing by saying, "The degree of violence exercised by the defendant was not severe, and she has no prior criminal record. She has served as an educator for over 40 years, receiving awards for her contributions and has diligently worked in the teaching profession."