‘Sexual Harassment of Minor Academy Student’ British Native Speaker Instructor Receives Suspended Sentence in First Trial

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A British native English teacher who sexually assaulted a minor student he was teaching at an academy was sentenced to a suspended prison term by the court.

On the morning of the 25th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 30 (Presiding Judge Lee Hyunwoo) sentenced A (40), a native English teacher indicted for violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence (forcible molestation of a minor under 13), to three years in prison with a four-year suspension. An employment restriction order for child and youth-related institutions for five years was also issued.

The court stated, "The nature of the crime is serious, and the young victim is believed to have suffered considerable psychological shock," but added, "Considering that A has no prior criminal record and has reached an amicable settlement with the victim's side, the sentence is hereby pronounced."

A was prosecuted for molesting victim B twice over two days in September last year while working as a junior class instructor at a language academy in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, by making B sit on his lap and putting his hand inside her underwear to touch specific parts.

During the trial, A's side denied the charges, claiming, "B often approached the teacher's seat during class to lean on or hug him," and "He only allowed her to sit on his lap to accommodate her." They also argued, "While tickling her to make her return to her seat, his hand may have accidentally touched certain body parts, but there was no intentional act of putting his hand inside."

The court did not accept A's claims based on B's testimony and other evidence. The court stated, "Although A does not admit to the charges, considering the victim's consistent statements and the circumstances of the complaint, there is no problem in judging him guilty."

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