‘Identity Disclosure of Park Won-soon Victim’ by Kim Min-woong... Prosecution Seeks 1-Year Prison Sentence

"Significant Damage and Victims Petition for Severe Punishment"
Former Professor Kim's Side Claims "No Intentionality"

On the afternoon of the 24th, cartoonist Park Je-dong and Kyung Hee University professor Kim Min-woong visited the funeral hall of the late Roh Hoe-chan, floor leader of the Justice Party, set up at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to pay their respects. Photo by Joint Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for former Kyung Hee University Future Civilization Institute professor Kim Minwoong, who is accused of revealing the identity of the victim in the sexual violence case involving former Seoul Mayor Park Wonsoon.

At the sentencing hearing for former Professor Kim held on the 17th at the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 5 (Judge Jang Minkyeong), the prosecution stated, “The victim of the sexual violence crime suffered significant harm as personal information, including real names that could identify the victim, was disclosed without consent, and the victim is petitioning for severe punishment,” and thus made this request.

On the other hand, Kim’s defense acknowledged the prosecution’s charges but claimed there was no intent, stating that they were unaware that the photo file contained real names at the time.

Kim’s defense said, “We did not realize that real names were exposed when the photo was posted, and we corrected the post within 10 minutes of realizing it, so there was no repetition. Although criticism has been focused on us for years, we have endured it silently and ask for consideration of our efforts to restore the victim’s well-being.”

In his final statement, former Professor Kim said, “Although there was no intent to expose real names, I repeatedly apologize to the victim for the pain caused as a result. I posted the handwritten letter without confirming that real names were included.”

He added, “According to the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, one cannot be punished for causing harm by disclosing identities based on unproven sexual violence claims, so I am confused about which victim I have harmed.”

However, he added, “This is not to engage in legal debates or disputes over guilt to evade my responsibility.”

Kim was indicted for exposing the real name of victim A, who worked in the secretary’s office during former Mayor Park’s tenure, by posting a photo of a birthday congratulatory letter sent by A to former Mayor Park between 2016 and 2018 on social media in December 2020.

Following a complaint from victim A, the police launched an investigation and in June last year referred Kim to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (confidentiality). The prosecution indicted Kim last month.

The first trial sentencing date for former Professor Kim is scheduled for August 19.

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