20s Man Who Lured Teens with 'High-Paying Part-Time Job' for Sexual Acts and Filming Sentenced to 3 Years in Second Trial

"Sex Trade Broker" Accused of 'Multiple Roles' Approach
Filming Videos with Youths Without Payment
Some Victims Settled... Sentence Reduced by 1 Year Compared to First Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 20s who directly engaged in prostitution with teenagers by performing multiple roles under the pretense of offering "high-paying part-time jobs," and who also filmed and possessed videos without paying money, was sentenced to three years in prison in an appellate trial.

According to the legal community on the 21st, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 12-1 (Presiding Judge Choi Bonghee) recently sentenced Park (26, male), who was indicted for violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse (Youth Sexual Protection Act), to three years in prison. The sentence was reduced by one year compared to the first trial, considering that he reached agreements with some of the victims.

The appellate court stated, "The crime was repeated against child and adolescent victims who find it difficult to report and whose values are not yet established, making the nature of the crime particularly serious," but also noted, "Some victims expressed their intention not to seek punishment for the defendant by reaching an agreement." It added, "The defendant voluntarily appeared at the investigative agency, voluntarily submitted evidence such as his mobile phone, and actively cooperated by confessing to other crimes including prostitution with adult women."

Earlier, Park was brought to trial on charges of promising to pay about 500,000 won to minor A (16, female) and others in April last year, having sexual relations, but neither paying the money nor refraining from filming and possessing the scenes. It was investigated that Park approached the victims by acting as if he were a broker for prostitution, saying he would provide 'high-paying part-time jobs' and performing multiple roles. Additionally, he is accused of having sexual relations with adult women and failing to pay the promised fees.

The first trial sentenced Park to four years in prison. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was banned from employment at child and youth institutions for five years. The first trial court criticized him, saying, "He engaged in sexual relations with victims by playing multiple roles online and did not pay the promised fees," and "He deceived victims who were experiencing financial difficulties, making them bear motel expenses."

However, the first trial court imposed a sentence lower than the statutory penalty through a sentencing investigation. A sentencing investigation is a procedure that examines factors to consider when determining the sentence, such as the defendant's family environment, criminal record, circumstances of the crime, and whether an agreement was reached.

Under the current Youth Sexual Protection Act Article 11, Paragraph 1, those who produce, import, or export child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials are subject to life imprisonment or imprisonment for five years or more. Initially, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Park to 10 years in prison.

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