O Tae-wan, Governor of Uiryeong County in Gyeongnam Province, pleaded for leniency during the sentencing hearing of his appeal trial for the false accusation case involving a sexual assault victim.
Governor O attended the sentencing hearing for this case, which was held on the afternoon of the 13th at Criminal Division 1 of the Changwon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Jooyeon and Judges Kwak Richan and Eo Seunguk.
Previously, Governor O was indicted on charges of forcibly molesting a female reporter, referred to as Ms. A, by grabbing her hand and making sexually harassing remarks during a press conference with county office reporters at a restaurant in Uiryeong County on June 17, 2021. After being prosecuted for these charges, he filed a complaint accusing Ms. A of making a false accusation, leading to his trial for the false accusation charge.
He consistently maintained his innocence regarding the forcible molestation charge, but in March of this year, the Supreme Court finalized a sentence of a 10 million won fine and an order to complete 10 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
For the false accusation charge, he was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, in the first trial in April.
O Tae-wan, Governor of Uiryeong County, Gyeongnam Province, is leaving the courtroom building of Changwon District Court after the sentencing hearing of the appeal trial related to the false accusation charge of sexual assault victim. Photo by Lee Seryung
On this day, Governor O's side exercised the right to defense through a question-and-answer style examination between the defense attorney and the defendant.
Governor O's side explained that, as a member of an older generation unfamiliar with the concept of gender sensitivity and lacking sufficient legal knowledge, he was mistakenly convinced that his actions did not constitute forcible molestation. However, after the conviction was finalized, he stated that he respects the court's judgment and is deeply reflecting on his actions.
They also argued that the complaint for false accusation was filed as a temporary defense measure until he could clear himself of the molestation charge, and not with the intention of having the victim punished for false accusation.
The defense attorney stated, "At the time of the incident, the defendant acted out of excessive eagerness to create a friendly atmosphere at the press conference, not with the intention of satisfying sexual desire."
The attorney added, "When local media reported in a way that seemed to label Governor O as a sex offender, remaining silent would have been tantamount to admitting guilt. That is why he accepted the advice of those around him to file a complaint for false accusation. While the complaint was filed as a defensive measure, he acknowledges and regrets that choosing such an aggressive legal action was wrong."
Governor O said, "I have met with the victim several times to express my apologies, but I understand it is not easy to let go of all feelings after just a few meetings. We are currently having some monetary discussions as part of compensation, and while the victim still seems to have some feelings, I will do my best to communicate and approach this from the victim's perspective."
He continued, "Uiryeong, a small rural city, has regained its vitality in recent years and several government-funded projects have begun. I am worried that this hope might be extinguished. Although I have many shortcomings, I ask for your understanding and leniency," he said, bowing his head.
After the trial, Governor O told reporters, "At that time, I was not aware of the concept of gender sensitivity," and explained, "Filing the false accusation complaint without sufficient legal knowledge was a misjudgment."
The prosecutor requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison for Governor O on this day.
The court concluded all arguments related to this case and is scheduled to deliver the verdict on January 13 next year.
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