Former Saemaeul Geumgo Chairman Indicted for 'Molesting Female Employees' Denies Charges

"Just a Massage... No Intent or Illegality," Defendant Claims
Testimonies from Four Victims Scheduled for October Trial
Civil Lawsuit Against Dismissal Continues During Suspension
Appeal Filed with Supreme Court After Losing Second Civil Trial

A former chairman of a Saemaeul Geumgo in Gwangju has stood trial on charges of habitual sexual harassment of subordinate female employees. The defendant's side argued that there was no intent and that the actions did not deviate from social norms.

On July 16, Judge Kim Taekyun of the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 4 held the first hearing for Mr. A (69), who was indicted on charges including forcible molestation. Mr. A is accused of repeatedly making physical contact with multiple female employees while working at a secondary financial institution in Seo-gu, Gwangju, from November 2021 to July 2022.

According to the indictment, Mr. A allegedly stroked the bodies of the victims or made physical contact under the pretense of giving massages in the office and other locations while serving as chairman. There are a total of four victims.

In court, Mr. A stated, "I acknowledge some of the facts, but there was no intent and no illegality." Mr. A's attorney argued, "There were cases where massages were given at the request of employees regardless of gender, and the actions did not exceed the boundaries of social norms." The attorney also claimed, "A significant portion of the contact cannot be considered molestation," largely denying the charges.

The court plans to hold a second hearing on October 15 in the afternoon, during which witnesses, including victims and bystanders, will be examined.

After the incident came to light, Mr. A was suspended from his duties and filed a civil lawsuit contesting the disciplinary dismissal demanded by the Saemaeul Geumgo Federation. After losing in the appellate court, the case is currently pending before the Supreme Court.