Former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison Again in Appeal Trial for Forcible Molestation of Subordinate

Former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, who was indicted on charges of forced molestation causing injury, is attending the first trial sentencing hearing held at the Busan District Court on June 29. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The prosecution has demanded a 7-year prison sentence in the appeal trial for former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, who was sentenced to 3 years in prison in the first trial on charges including forcible molestation of an employee.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Busan High Court (Chief Judge Oh Hyun-gyu) held the appeal trial sentencing hearing for former Mayor Oh on the 13th at 2:10 p.m. in courtroom 301.

Former Mayor Oh’s side appealed, arguing that the first trial’s guilty verdict on the charge of forcible molestation causing injury involved a legal error. The prosecution also appealed, claiming that the 3-year sentence given by the first trial court was insufficient.

On this day, the prosecution again requested the court to impose the 7-year prison sentence it had sought in the first trial. Additionally, they requested that former Mayor Oh be required to complete a sexual violence treatment program, have his personal information disclosed, and be banned from employment for 5 years in facilities related to children and adolescents as well as welfare facilities for the disabled.

The prosecution explained the reasons for their demand, stating, “This is a typical case of power-based sexual crime, and the nature of the crime, including the circumstances and methods, is extremely serious. The defendant has shown no remorse, denying the causal relationship of the injuries inflicted on the victim even at the appeal stage. We must sound a warning to prevent further power-based sexual crimes.”

In response, former Mayor Oh’s defense counsel said, “While the defendant’s actions are rightfully condemnable, he resigned from the mayoral position at the time and in the manner desired by the victim and has repeatedly expressed apologies. The defendant requires ongoing medical observation due to stomach and kidney cancer and has suffered significant mental shock. Since he acknowledges his wrongdoing, we ask for leniency.”

Former Mayor Oh stated in court, “While carrying out the heavy responsibility entrusted to me as the Mayor of Busan by the citizens, I forgot my duty and committed an unforgivable crime. Through the trial process, I have come to realize the gravity of my actions and am reflecting on them.”

He also said, “I want to apologize for the additional pain the victims may have suffered due to the prolonged trial process.”

The final verdict on former Mayor Oh’s appeal trial is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 19th of next month.

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