Prosecution Appeals Probation Sentence in First Trial of Former Idol Member Accused of Sexual Harassment and Quasi-Rape of Fellow Member

The prosecution appealed the first trial's suspended sentence verdict by the court regarding a male idol group member who was charged with forcibly molesting a fellow member.

On the 2nd, the Trial Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office stated, "Regarding the case in which the former leader of the male idol group was accused of quasi-rape and forcible molestation of a fellow group member, the first trial court sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspended sentence. We appealed yesterday on the grounds of inappropriate sentencing."

Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul.
Photo by Choi Seok-jin

A prosecution official explained the reason for the appeal, saying, "The prosecution judged that it is necessary for the defendant to receive a heavier punishment in the appellate trial, considering comprehensively that the defendant repeatedly committed quasi-rape and forcible molestation against the victim over a long period, causing the victim to eventually leave the group, and that the defendant denies major parts of the crime, showing no sincere remorse."

They added, "The prosecution will do its best in the appellate trial to ensure that the defendant receives punishment commensurate with the crime."

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

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

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, "The victim's testimony is detailed and consistent."

Nonetheless, 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. However, taking into account that A generally reflected on his wrongdoing and reached a settlement with the victim, the sentence was determined accordingly."

The prosecution requested the court to sentence A to 3 years in prison during the sentencing hearing.