Sergeant Fined for Sending Persistent 'Courtship Texts' to Lieutenant Despite Being Told "Do Not Contact"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 20s who was prosecuted for repeatedly sending 'solicitous texts' to his superior, telling him "Do not contact me privately," was sentenced to a fine in the first trial.

On the 29th, according to the court, Judge Park Hyerim of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 13 sentenced A (22, male), who was charged with violating the Information and Communications Network Act, to a fine of 5 million won, stating that "the culpability is quite serious."

Earlier, A was prosecuted on charges of sending solicitous texts 12 times over two days starting July 24 last year in the barracks while serving as an Air Force sergeant to his superior, Lieutenant B.

It was investigated that A sent messages such as "This is absolutely not about playing the field," "I have not given up yet," and "Doesn't everyone have different speeds at which they start to like someone?" A also sent a social media (SNS) video link titled "If a man's heart is confused, watch this video."

At the time, Lieutenant B repeatedly expressed the intention of "Do not contact me privately," and the unit's senior sergeant also explained to A that "If the victim feels uncomfortable, it could be considered an insult to a superior."

In court, A and his lawyer argued, "The defendant's actions were not enough to cause fear or anxiety, and there was no intent." They also claimed that "the defendant is experiencing mental health difficulties."

The first trial found A guilty. Judge Park pointed out, "The messages sent by the defendant were based on the assumption that the victim liked him, and he even asked Lieutenant B, who was on overnight duty, 'May I come to the duty officer's office?'" He added, "The defendant and the victim did not have a privately close relationship."

He further stated, "It can be sufficiently recognized that the defendant intentionally sent repeated messages that caused fear or anxiety to the victim," and "Considering the comprehensive psychological test results and the defendant's statements to the investigative agency, it is difficult to acknowledge that he lacked decision-making ability or was in a state of diminished mental capacity."

Judge Park added, "The victim felt considerable fear and anxiety due to the defendant's actions and strongly desires severe punishment, among other sentencing factors."

A appealed the first trial's verdict.

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