Kim Sang-kyo, who was the catalyst for the so-called 'Burning Sun scandal,' is appearing at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on March 19, 2019. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Kim Sanggyo (31), who raised suspicions of collusion between the police and clubs, sparking the 'Burning Sun scandal,' was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial for sexually harassing a woman at a club and obstructing Burning Sun's operations.
On the morning of the 8th, Judge Kim Taekyun of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 16 sentenced Kim to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (sexual harassment in a crowded public place), obstruction of business, and assault. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and 80 hours of community service.
Earlier, Kim was prosecuted for sexually harassing three women at the Burning Sun club in Gangnam, Seoul, on the morning of November 24, 2018, and for causing a disturbance for about 10 minutes in front of the club, obstructing business after being dragged out by Jang (37), a director of the club.
During the trial, Kim denied the sexual harassment charges, but the first trial recognized the sexual harassment charge against one victim as guilty. Judge Kim stated, "The victim consistently testified to details that would be difficult to describe without directly experiencing the circumstances and content of the harassment by the defendant," adding, "The CCTV footage from the scene supports the victim's testimony."
He further added, "Considering the nature and method of the defendant's crime, the offense is not minor, and the victim likely suffered shock as a result. However, the defendant has no prior record of similar offenses."
Immediately after the verdict, Kim expressed his intention to appeal, calling the decision "an unacceptable judgment."
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