Man Who Had Sexual Relations with Minor Claims "70,000 Won Was Borrowed Money and Snack Cost"

Man Engaged in Sexual Relations with Teenage Girl at Room Cafe
Court: "Severe Punishment Needed Due to Negative Impact on Youth"
Previous Transfer to Juvenile Division for Forced Molestation

A man who had sexual relations with a minor at a room cafe and handed over 70,000 won was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

According to the legal community on the 4th, the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Yang Hwan-seung) sentenced Mr. A, who was indicted on charges including purchasing sex under the Juvenile Protection Act, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension. In addition, he was ordered to attend 40 hours of sex trade prevention lectures and to undergo probation.

Mr. A is accused of demanding sexual relations from a teenage female student, Ms. B, while talking at a room cafe located in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, on January 12, and when Ms. B refused, he promised to give her 70,000 won and had sexual relations with her.

During the trial, Mr. A claimed, "I did not give 70,000 won as payment for sexual relations, but gave 40,000 won I borrowed from Ms. B and 30,000 won for snacks." However, the court ruled, "Considering that Ms. B’s testimony has been consistent from the investigation stage to the trial, it is recognized that Mr. A purchased the sex of the minor victim." The court also added, "The victim’s testimony about the circumstances before and after the sexual relations is so detailed and specific that it would be difficult to make such statements without experiencing them," and "Considering the relationship between the defendant and the victim, there is no motive or reason for the victim to make false and disadvantageous statements."

The court continued, "This is a case of purchasing the sex of a victim whom the defendant knew personally, which can have a harmful effect on youths whose perception of sex is not properly formed, so strict punishment is necessary," and explained, "It is also unfavorable that the defendant was sent to the juvenile division three times for forced molestation and other offenses." At the same time, the court stated the sentencing reasons, "However, it appears to be an impulsive crime committed due to activity and attention disorders, and the victim does not wish to press charges."