Prosecutors Arrest and Indict 50-Year-Old Man for Sexually Assaulting Stepdaughter for 13 Years

A stepfather who sexually assaulted his teenage stepdaughter for 13 years until she became an adult has been arrested and indicted.

The Women's and Children's Crime Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Won Sinhye) announced on the 10th that they have arrested and indicted Mr. Go, in his 50s, on charges of violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (quasi-rape within family relations) and the Child Welfare Act (habitual coercion to commit lewd acts, mediation, and sexual harassment).

Mr. Go is accused of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter approximately 2,090 times over 13 years, from 2008 when she was 12 years old until 2020 when she became an adult, and habitually sexually abusing her.

Investigations revealed that Mr. Go first forcibly molested his stepdaughter in Korea, and even after the entire family immigrated to New Zealand, he continued committing crimes and even produced sexual exploitation materials.

The prosecution judged that Mr. Go used a so-called "grooming" method, psychologically dominating the minor victim over a long period to render her unable to resist, and then sexually exploiting her.

The stepdaughter, who realized belatedly that her stepfather's actions were criminal, reported him to the New Zealand police, but Mr. Go fled back to Korea.

It was reported that the biological mother, upon learning of Mr. Go's crimes, was shocked and took extreme measures.

Korean police received the victim's complaint in June, launched an investigation, and arrested Mr. Go in Cheonan, Chungnam Province last month, detaining him two days later.

A prosecutor stated, "We are currently proceeding with psychological treatment and housing support for the victim," and added, "We will do our best to protect and support the victim throughout the trial process."