Victim's Side States: "No Remorse from the Perpetrator... Settlement Is Not an Option"
Jung Chulmin, the producer known for directing the popular entertainment program 'Sixth Sense,' has been indicted and will stand trial on charges of forcibly molesting a junior producer.
According to attorney Lee Eunui, the legal representative of the victim, on March 3, the prosecution indicted producer Jung Chulmin for forcible molestation on February 25 after reviewing an objection filed by the victim against the Seoul Mapo Police Station's decision not to refer the case for prosecution.
Last year, on December 31, the police acknowledged the physical contact but concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove intent to molest, resulting in a decision of non-referral. However, after conducting additional investigations involving both the complainant and the accused, the prosecution decided to indict producer Jung on charges of forcible molestation.
According to a public statement released by attorney Lee, the incident was not limited to mere physical contact. On August 15 of last year, producer Jung repeatedly committed acts of molestation despite the victim's clear refusal, and it is reported that on August 20, shortly after the victim recognized the problem, the victim was suddenly removed from the production team.
The victim reported the incident to the police immediately after it occurred and also filed a workplace sexual harassment complaint with their agency, CJ ENM. In response, CJ ENM partially acknowledged producer Jung's workplace sexual harassment and imposed disciplinary action ahead of the broadcast of 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 2.'
The victim's side also expressed deep regret regarding the flood of media reports that followed the police's decision not to refer the case in January. Attorney Lee pointed out, "At the time, numerous entertainment media outlets reported with certainty that the accused had been cleared by mentioning his real name, while articles presenting the victim’s position anonymized the accused, resulting in severe asymmetry in reporting."
In particular, attorney Lee emphasized, "Even after producer Jung received internal disciplinary action, the dissemination of press releases through the media that disparaged the victim or announced a joint response with the production staff inflicted an irreparable secondary harm on the victim."
The victim's side made it clear that they are not considering any settlement with producer Jung. Attorney Lee stated, "The perpetrator has shown no remorse, and the psychological and professional suffering endured by the victim is immeasurable," adding, "We will thoroughly contest both the facts of the molestation and the extent of the damage in court, and we will demand appropriate accountability."
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