Court Sentences Former Idol and Fellow Member to Probation in First Trial for 'Molestation and Quasi-Rape' Charges

A former member of a male idol group who was prosecuted for forcibly molesting a fellow member was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 29 (Presiding Judge Kim Seung-jung) on the 30th sentenced A (25), a former member of a six-member male idol group, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension for charges of forcible molestation and quasi-rape. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

Seoul Central District Court, Seocho-dong, Seoul.

A was charged with touching the body of a fellow group member at the dormitory and practice room from 2017 to 2021. A quit group activities after the incident.

During the trial, A admitted to the charge of forcible molestation but denied the quasi-rape charge; however, the court recognized all of A’s charges as guilty, stating that "the victim’s testimony is detailed and consistent."

However, the court explained the reason for the suspended sentence, saying, "Considering the method and frequency of the crime and the victim’s age, the nature of the crime is very serious," but "taking into account that A has generally reflected on his wrongdoing and reached a settlement with the victim."