'40-Year-Old Accused of Sexual Assault and Filming of Teenager Appeals for Leniency, Citing Five Young Children'

Allegations of Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material Production Involving a Teenager
Prosecutors Demand '8 Years Imprisonment'

A man in his 40s, who was charged with sexually assaulting a teenager he met through open chat and producing sexual exploitation material, was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

According to Yonhap News on the 23rd, the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office requested an 8-year prison sentence for Mr. A (42), who was detained and indicted on charges including violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse (rape). The sentencing hearing was held under the jurisdiction of the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Hong Eun-pyo).

Mr. A was indicted for sexually assaulting a teenage girl, Ms. B, whom he met through open chat on May 25, by taking her to a lodging facility. He is also accused of producing sexual exploitation material by filming the crime with his mobile phone.

It was confirmed that despite the victim expressing refusal to engage in sexual intercourse, Mr. A moved her from their initial meeting place to a lodging facility about 10 kilometers away and committed the crime. Mr. A is also known to have a prior record of child molestation.

The prosecution stated, "The nature of the crime is very serious, and there is a history of similar offenses, indicating a risk of reoffending. This is a grave crime that requires severe punishment, as the perpetrator lured a young victim to a distant place where escape was impossible, forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse, and filmed the act."

Mr. A’s defense acknowledged all charges. His lawyer said, "It is true that the defendant’s crime is a serious offense. Although the victim refuses to settle, we will make every effort to reach an agreement." However, the lawyer added, "The defendant has five young children. While committing the crime in such circumstances was wrong, we ask for consideration of his responsibility to support his family."

Mr. A also expressed remorse, saying, "I am sorry to the victim. I regret and reflect on my actions," and appealed for leniency. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month.