"I Will Live Apologizing to the Victims"
Donated 2 Million Won to the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center
A handwritten letter sent by a man identified as one of the perpetrators in the 2004 group sexual assault case in Miryang, Gyeongnam, has been revealed to a YouTuber. The Miryang group sexual assault case involved 44 high school boys from the Miryang area luring one middle school girl from Ulsan to Miryang in December 2004 and sexually assaulting her continuously for a year.
On the 20th, the YouTube channel 'Jeontu Tokki,' which discloses personal information related to the Miryang sexual assault case, uploaded a video titled "Miryang Perpetrator ○○○ First Apology Letter." The YouTuber verified a handwritten letter sent by Mr. A along with proof that Mr. A donated 2 million won to the Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center as a "designated support for victims of the Miryang sexual violence case." The YouTuber explained, "The letter contained a message that Mr. A wanted to support the victim little by little, even secretly. Although he did not want the donation details to be disclosed, I insisted on revealing them."
Mr. A’s handwritten letter revealed in the video included the message, "I am deeply sorry and very sorry to the victim. I feel it would be rude to apologize in person, so I am being cautious." He continued, "Twenty years ago, as a high school student, I committed a foolish and stupid act that caused the victim an unerasable sin for life," and added, "I am only filled with regret knowing that the victim has been living in pain until now."
He also acknowledged that the judgment information circulating online was accurate. He stated, "At that time, I was tried on charges of special forcible molestation, and after reaching an agreement with the victim, the case was transferred to juvenile court where I received dispositions No. 1 and No. 3 and performed community service." He added, "Back then, I never thought the punishment would still be an issue 20 years later. I lived foolishly and ignorantly." He further said, "If I had properly accepted the punishment and apologized sincerely, perhaps the anger of the victim and the public would have been somewhat lessened."
After his personal information, including photos and address, was disclosed on social networks (SNS), Mr. A said he realized his past mistakes. He said, "I also had dreams when I was young, but because of those incidents, I was very frustrated alone and wasted my time living recklessly, and now I am almost 40 years old."
He continued, "I feel guilty toward my parents who never dined out their entire lives, only farmed, underwent surgery for cancer, and voluntarily retired," and said, "I think I am a worthless son who has damaged not only my body but also my mind."
Mr. A concluded his letter by saying, "No matter how young or immature a minor I was, I have come to deeply feel that irremediable sins know no age limit," and "I do not ask for forgiveness from the victim. I will live my life in apology."
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