"Have a Lot of Sex" During High School Class... Teacher in His 50s Fined

Teacher Denies Charges
Court: "Student Testimonies Are Clear... Remarks Caused Sexual Humiliation"

A former high school teacher in his 50s has been fined for making remarks that caused sexual humiliation to students during class.

On August 13, Judge Bae Gumin of the Jeju District Court's Criminal Division 2 sentenced the former high school teacher, identified as Mr. A, who is in his 50s and previously taught at a high school in Jeju, to a fine of 5 million won for violating the Child Welfare Act (forcing or mediating obscene acts or sexual harassment of children). According to Yonhap News, the court also ordered Mr. A to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and imposed a three-year employment restriction from facilities related to children, adolescents, and people with disabilities.

Mr. A was accused of making several sexually explicit remarks during classes at a high school in Jeju City in March and April 2023. Investigations found that when a word referring to sexual intercourse came up during class, he made statements such as, "You should have a lot of sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse is a good thing."

He also allegedly emotionally abused students by commenting on their body shapes, saying, "This is the result of not taking care of your health," or "You have a good fit," and repeatedly telling a particular student, "You have no value."

During the trial, Mr. A's side denied the charges, stating, "The defendant had no intention whatsoever to inflict any emotional or sexual abuse on the victims," and argued that "the incidents occurred during class and should not be interpreted as individual remarks."

However, the court did not accept Mr. A's arguments. The judge pointed out, "The testimony of students who were attending school at the time and appeared as witnesses was clear, with several reporting psychological harm caused by the defendant's remarks, and their statements were consistent with the key findings of the investigation."

The court further stated, "Although the defense emphasized that there was no malicious intent, social norms and the victims' perceptions differ," and found Mr. A guilty.

Previously, Mr. A had been dismissed by the Jeju Provincial Office of Education in connection with this case.