Defense Attorney: "Kang Ji-hwan Was in a Blackout State"..."Will Live with Regret Forever" Appeals for Leniency

Actor Kang Ji-hwan, who was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation in the first trial on charges of sexually assaulting and molesting two female outsourced staff members, is leaving after the first appeal trial held on the afternoon of the 14th at the Suwon High Court in Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Actor Kang Ji-hwan (43, real name Jo Tae-gyu), who was prosecuted for sexually assaulting and molesting two female staff members at his home, said in the appeal trial, "I will live my life with my head bowed in repentance."

On the 14th, during the final statement at the appeal trial held at the Suwon High Court Criminal Division 1 (Chief Judge Noh Kyung-pil), Kang said, "I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt and suffered because of me," adding, "I have been tirelessly striving to show a good image to many people over the years, but I am deeply ashamed of my current self."

He continued, "I am very afraid of how I should live the remaining time ahead," and added, "I will live my life with my head bowed in repentance."

Kang's lawyer argued that Kang was in a blackout state at the time and therefore does not properly remember his actions, appealing for leniency.

The lawyer stated, "Even though the defendant does not remember at all, he empathizes with the victims' wounds, shock, and pain, acknowledges their statements, and has sincerely repented," and added, "Since the victims have accepted the defendant's sincerity and submitted petitions to withdraw prosecution, we hope for the maximum leniency allowed by law."

On the same day, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Kang to the same prison term of three years as in the original trial, saying, "The defendant is trying to evade responsibility by citing the victims' actions, which he does not remember, as a reason for the quasi-forced molestation charge," and "This case resulted in a suspended sentence because of an agreement with the victims, but please consider whether a suspended sentence can be imposed solely based on the victims' forgiveness."

The sentencing trial for Kang will be held on the 11th of next month.

Kang is accused of drinking with two female outsourced staff members at his home in Opo-eup, Gwangju-si, on July 9 last year, then entering the room where they were sleeping, sexually assaulting one and molesting the other.

The first trial court sentenced Kang to two years and six months in prison with a three-year probation, ordered 120 hours of community service, 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures, and a three-year employment restriction.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.