Cafe Owner Sentenced to Probation in First Trial for Forcible Molestation of Minor Customer

Cafe Owner Who Molested Underage Regular Customer
Also Made Molestation Remarks Such as "Why Are You Being So Desperate?"
Sentenced to 1 Year and 6 Months in Prison with 2 Years Probation

The owner of a cafe who sexually harassed a regular customer was sentenced to a prison term with a suspended sentence. The case has become even more controversial as it was revealed that the regular customer was a minor.

On the 25th, the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Yang Hwan-seung) sentenced cafe owner Mr. A, who was tried on charges of violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse (forcible sexual molestation), to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. The court also ordered Mr. A to complete 80 hours of community service and 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures.

Earlier, on August 31 of last year, Mr. A was accused of forcibly molesting Ms. A, a female student and regular customer (then 16 years old), who came to purchase a drink without wearing a mask as usual and was covering her face with her hand. Mr. A grabbed Ms. B’s arm, pulled her to a corner, and molested her. At the time of the crime, Mr. A said things like "Why are you making me so desperate?" to Ms. B, made her a drink, and suddenly hugged her saying, "Can I hug you once?"

The court stated, "The defendant forcibly molested the victim, who was a customer, at the cafe he operated. Considering the circumstances, content, nature, and method of the crime, the offense is of a serious nature." It added, "The victim likely experienced considerable sexual discomfort due to this incident, and the defendant has not been forgiven by the victim."

However, the court also explained the sentencing rationale, saying, "The defendant fully admitted his wrongdoing and is reflecting on his actions. It is difficult to consider the degree of molestation or the physical force used during the crime as severe." It further noted, "Taking into account that the defendant has no prior criminal record exceeding a fine, the sentence was determined accordingly."