Yonsei University Emeritus Professor Given Suspended Sentence for Sexual Harassment of Male Student

Sentenced to 8 Months Imprisonment with 2 Years Probation

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] An 80-year-old honorary professor at Yonsei University was sentenced to a suspended prison term for touching the body of a student in his 20s.

On the 29th, Judge Park Bomi of the Seoul Western District Court Criminal Division 4 sentenced male Professor A, who was charged with forcible molestation last month on the 13th, to 8 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. He was also ordered to attend 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures.

The court stated the sentencing reasons, saying, "Considering the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the nature of the crime is serious," but also "the defendant showed remorse, asked for forgiveness from the victim, and reached a settlement." It further explained, "Other sentencing factors such as the defendant's age, environment, and motive for the crime, as revealed in the records and arguments, were also considered."

Professor A approached B, a male student in his 20s with foreign nationality, under the pretext of "teaching Korean," and was tried on charges of molesting B by touching his body.

It was reported that in June of last year, Professor A entered B's residence and caressed parts of B's body. A month later, in July, it was revealed that he called B to a university library conference room and committed additional molestation.