Prosecution Requests Prison Sentence and Forfeiture from the Court
"To Have a Good and Positive Influence" Appeals for Leniency
The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for a YouTuber who was arrested and indicted on charges of performing sexually explicit acts with local Southeast Asian women during an online live broadcast.
Submission of Apology Letter and Plea for Leniency... Prosecution Requests "1 Year Imprisonment and 9 Million KRW Fine"
A scene from a live obscene broadcast conducted by Mr. A in Thailand. [Image provided by Gyeonggi Nambu Police Agency]
On the 25th, during the sentencing hearing of Mr. A (27) at Suwon District Court Criminal Division 11 presided over by Judge Kim Su-jeong, the prosecution requested a prison sentence and a fine of 9 million KRW on charges of distributing obscene materials under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.
In response, A’s defense attorney acknowledged that A’s actions were quite vulgar and immoral but argued, "According to the specific standards set by the Supreme Court, the videos distributed by the defendant depict simulated sexual acts rather than direct sexual intercourse," and requested a not guilty verdict.
It was also reported that A submitted an apology letter more than ten times before the first trial.
In his final statement on the day, the defendant said, "My foolish thoughts and greed have become a great sin," and appealed to the court for leniency.
He reportedly said, "Though shameless, I enjoy making others laugh," and added, "I ask for leniency so that I can once again become a member of society who can have a positive and good influence on many people."
Live Broadcast of Videos Depicting Simulated Sexual Acts Without Age Restrictions at a Thai Entertainment Venue
A is accused of broadcasting live on YouTube from mid-February to the end of March, showing himself engaging in simulated sexual acts with local women at an entertainment venue in Thailand, and earning approximately 11.3 million KRW through sponsorships and other means.
A, a full-time YouTuber running a channel related to Southeast Asian travel, stayed in Thailand and conducted five live broadcasts containing obscene acts.
The broadcasts were streamed live without age restrictions, allowing access to minors as well.
However, after the broadcasts, the replay links were deleted, and currently, all traces have been erased.
Following a tip-off, the police identified A’s identity and requested that he return from Thailand to cooperate with the investigation, but A refused.
Consequently, the police obtained an arrest warrant and, with the cooperation of the local consulate, urged voluntary return. A was arrested upon entering through Incheon Airport on the 8th.
The videos produced by A do not show direct physical contact scenes but reportedly include many actions and remarks suggestive of simulated sexual acts.
After legal review, the police judged that 'obscenity' under the Information and Communications Network Act is recognized even without direct physical exposure and obtained a detention warrant from the court.
A’s sentencing trial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 19th of next month at Suwon District Court.
Local Media Also Reported Victim Interviews, Causing a Stir
A scene where Amarin TV is reporting on Mr. A's crime at the time. [Image source=Amarin TV news footage]
Meanwhile, at the time, Thai media such as Amarin TV reported that a Korean YouTuber was recklessly filming women on the streets of Thailand and offering them alcohol. The victim said, "On my way home, a Korean man streaming live approached me and asked me to drink," adding, "I refused and tried to avoid the camera, but he kept approaching, which was frightening."
The woman also said, "During the conversation, I felt him filming my body, which made me uneasy," and "The YouTuber kept insisting on exchanging contact information."
She further stated, "When I checked the Korean man’s YouTube channel, there were many videos of sexual harassment or molestation of Thai women."
As such, A’s crimes caused a significant stir as they were reported locally in Thailand as well.
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