20s Man Given Probation for Arranging Prostitution of 13-Year-Old Girlfriend via Chat App

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] A man in his 20s who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for arranging the prostitution of his 13-year-old girlfriend and profiting from it was released on probation in the appellate trial.

On the 10th, the Criminal Division 1 of Daejeon District Court (Chief Judge Yoon Seong-muk) announced that in the appellate trial of A (22), who was indicted for violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles Against Sexual Abuse (arranging commercial sexual activities, etc.), the original sentence of 10 months imprisonment was overturned, and a sentence of 10 months imprisonment with a 2-year probation was handed down. The court also ordered 40 hours of attendance in a lecture on preventing prostitution mediation and a 3-year employment restriction at institutions related to children and juveniles.

A was prosecuted for receiving tens of thousands of won from two men who contacted him through a random chat application (app) in February last year and arranging for them to have sexual relations with his then 13-year-old girlfriend.

The first trial court, Criminal Division 8 of Daejeon District Court (Judge Baek Seung-jun), stated the sentencing reason at the time, saying, "The crime is serious as the 13-year-old youth, whose sexual values have not been properly established, was used as a means to make money, and the defendant used a highly contagious chat app to find men to purchase sex."

However, the appellate court stated the reason for the reduced sentence, saying, "The defendant, who admitted to all the crimes, is deeply reflecting on his mistakes after about four months of detention. The degree of solicitation of prostitution to the victim does not seem to have been very strong. Considering the defendant’s age and the circumstances of the crime, the original sentence was too heavy and unfair."

Although the victim’s side petitioned for severe punishment, the court concluded to accept the defendant’s appeal. Neither the prosecution nor the defendant appealed further, so this ruling became final.

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