'Middle School Girl Prostitution' AIDS Man Claims "It's Okay Because I Used a Condom"

50,000 Won and 2 Packs of Cigarettes for Prostitution
"Took Medicine and Used Condom, So Low Risk of Infection" Claim
Has Past Record of Forced Molestation

A man in his 40s who engaged in prostitution with a middle school student despite knowing he had Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) claimed, "I was taking medication and used condoms, so the likelihood of transmission is low."

On the 6th, the 11th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Go Sang-young) held the first trial of Mr. A (49), who was indicted on charges including statutory rape of a minor. Mr. A was charged with calling middle school student Ms. B last July, taking her into his vehicle, engaging in prostitution multiple times, and giving her 50,000 won in cash and two packs of cigarettes as payment. It is known that he met Ms. B earlier this year through a chat app.

During the investigation, the police discovered that Mr. A had been diagnosed with AIDS in 2006. This was found when he requested, "Bring me my hypertension and diabetes medication," and anti-viral drugs for AIDS were found in his vehicle. Ms. B was tested for sexually transmitted infections and was found not to be infected. At the time of the crime, Ms. B was unaware that Mr. A had AIDS.

At the trial, Mr. A admitted to all charges but responded to the question, "Did you know there was a possibility of transmitting a sexually transmitted disease?" by saying, "I knew, but I thought there would be no problem as long as contraception was used." When the presiding judge asked, "Isn't there a high possibility of AIDS transmission if you have sexual intercourse?" he insisted, "I am taking medication and used condoms during intercourse, so the risk of infection is low." The police are conducting follow-up investigations, including digital forensic analysis of his mobile phone, considering the possibility that Mr. A engaged in prostitution with other women.

The court plans to continue the trial on December 20 after reviewing the progress of the investigation. The Gwangju Women's Human Rights Support Center stated, "Mr. A has committed continuous crimes, including forcible molestation of children and adolescents in 2011 and 2016, raising concerns about additional victims. He reoffended because he did not receive strong punishment at the time," urging thorough investigation of additional crimes and strict punishment.

In this regard, attorney Son Su-ho explained on last month's YTN Newsquare 2PM, "According to the AIDS Prevention Act, infected individuals must not engage in acts that transmit the infection through blood or bodily fluids. Simply engaging in such acts can result in imprisonment of up to three years." He added, "This case violates the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, and various criminal charges are expected to continue to emerge. Considering how many crimes were committed, how many victims there are, and the defendant's criminal record, it should lead to severe punishment."