Financial Company Employee Who Accused Industry Acquaintance of False Charges After Sexual Assault Receives Suspended Sentence in Second Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 30s who sexually assaulted an industry acquaintance who had passed out drunk and then committed 'secondary harm' by claiming he was falsely accused was sentenced to prison in the first trial but was released on probation in the appeal trial.

According to the court on the 24th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 10 (Chief Judge Lee Jaehee) recently sentenced A (36, male), a financial company employee charged with quasi-rape, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year probation in the appeal trial. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was restricted from employment at child and disability-related institutions for 3 years.

The appellate court stated, "Considering that the defendant is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and that the victim does not wish for punishment after reaching a settlement during the appeal trial."

Earlier, A was brought to trial on charges of sexually assaulting a victim who had passed out drunk after drinking with acquaintances around 1 a.m. on May 5 last year. A’s side initially denied all charges but changed their stance in the first trial court by saying, "I deeply regret it. I will not make excuses."

On the other hand, the victim’s lawyer appealed to the court in the first trial, saying, "Although the defendant confesses and shows remorse, please examine whether it is for the victim or for his own sentencing." He also pointed out, "Immediately after the incident, the defendant tried to conceal the crime and did not admit to it until the DNA was detected, then hurriedly changed his attitude."

Furthermore, "Before the detection, the defendant counter-sued the victim and told several people in the industry that the victim falsely accused him," emphasizing, "Please definitely consider the secondary harm caused by the defendant’s behavior in sentencing."

In the first trial, A was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison and was taken into custody in court. The first trial court stated, "The victim is pleading for severe punishment, saying that she suffered unexpected harm at a gathering of acquaintances and experienced great mental shock and sexual discomfort," and added, "The defendant shows a confessional and remorseful attitude, has no prior criminal record, and various circumstances such as age, character, environment, the circumstances of the crime, and other factors were taken into consideration."

After being sentenced to prison in the first trial, A appealed the verdict.

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