Prosecutors: "Victim is distressed and deeply disappointed in Korea"
The prosecution has requested the court to sentence a hotel employee in his 30s to 10 years in prison for committing a sexual crime after breaking into a room occupied by Chinese tourists.
On the 5th, Yonhap News reported, "The Jeju District Prosecutors' Office demanded a 10-year prison sentence for A (39), who was detained and indicted on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (quasi-rape by trespassing), during a trial held by the Criminal Division 2 of the Jeju District Court (Presiding Judge Hong Eun-pyo)."
The prosecution explained the reason for the sentence request, saying, "The victim is extremely distressed and has expressed great disappointment in Korea," and added, "The case was reported both domestically and in China, severely damaging Jeju's international image, and it also caused tourists to feel uneasy about lodging services, making the crime very serious."
Earlier, A is accused of using a master key to break into a hotel room in Jeju City around 4 a.m. on June 14, where Chinese female tourist B was staying, and sexually assaulting her. It is known that B was heavily intoxicated at the time and unable to resist. That same morning, after regaining consciousness, B informed her Chinese companions about the assault, and a friend reported it to the police, leading to the discovery of A's crime.
During the trial, A's legal representative stated, "He is fully aware that he committed a serious crime and says he will live with a repentant heart for the rest of his life," and requested, "Please consider that he has no prior convictions for similar offenses and that he is remorseful." A himself reportedly said, "I deeply regret my actions. I feel sorry not only for the victim but also for damaging Jeju's image through news coverage of the incident. I apologize."
The sentencing trial for A is scheduled to be held on the 26th.
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