Minor Student Sexually Assaulted and Threatened, Then Claimed "Romantic Relationship"; 50s Hapkido Instructor Sentenced to Prison

Crime against a 33-year-younger victim who was a student since 3rd grade of elementary school
Threatened by mentioning family and friends... Claimed "We were in a romantic relationship" in court
Court: "Serious offense with no remorse... Strict punishment needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A 50-year-old Hapkido instructor who was tried for sexually assaulting and threatening a high school student disciple he had taught since elementary school was sentenced to prison and taken into custody in court.

According to the legal community on the 7th, Chief Judge Kim Changhyung of the 29th Criminal Division at the Seoul Central District Court recently sentenced A (55, male), the instructor, to 9 years in prison on charges of violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse (rape) and threats. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was banned from employment in institutions related to children, youth, and the disabled for 7 years.

The court stated, "At the time of the incident, the victim, who was a high school student or a young adult, was in a vulnerable environment due to economic and family circumstances. Despite knowing this well, the defendant, as a teacher and employer, used his superior position and physical force to treat the victim, who was 33 years younger, as an object of sexual desire. When the victim tried to end the relationship, he even threatened to harm the victim's family." The court added, "Nevertheless, the defendant claimed that the relationship was consensual and did not show remorse. The victim is also petitioning for severe punishment," emphasizing "a strict punishment commensurate with the crime is necessary."

Earlier, A was prosecuted on charges of sexually assaulting and threatening B from July 2016 to January 2018, starting when B was a high school student. B, a basic livelihood security recipient who took care of younger siblings without parental support, had attended A’s Hapkido dojang since the third grade of elementary school and worked as an instructor there after becoming a high school student.

A’s side argued in court that "the sexual relationship was consensual within a romantic relationship." They also requested a jury trial to assess the relationship between the defendant and the victim. However, when the court expressed skepticism, saying, "Considering the COVID-19 situation and the nature of the case, it is doubtful whether a jury trial is truly necessary," the defense eventually withdrew the request.

After about seven months of trial, the court found all charges against A to be guilty. The court pointed out, "The victim’s testimony was consistent and detailed, and considering all circumstances including objective evidence and related testimonies, it is difficult to see that the victim voluntarily engaged in sexual acts demanded by the defendant."

The court added, "After graduating from high school and having a boyfriend, the victim clearly expressed refusal to the defendant’s sexual demands, but the defendant became very angry and showed threatening behavior toward the boyfriend, committing the rape. All charges are fully recognized as guilty."

Meanwhile, A has appealed the ruling.

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