Sex Offender Massage Therapist Receives Suspended Prison Sentence for 'Forcible Molestation of Customer'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A male massage therapist with a history of sexual assault was recently tried for forcibly molesting a customer who came for a massage and was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

According to the court on the 26th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26 (Presiding Judge Jeong Jina) recently sentenced massage therapist A, who was indicted on charges of forcible molestation and violation of the Medical Service Act, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and was prohibited from working in child- and disability-related institutions for 3 years.

The court explained the sentencing reasons, stating, "Considering that the defendant reached an agreement with the victim of forcible molestation, that the victim’s mental damage was partially recovered through this, and the defendant’s criminal record."

Earlier, in October 2020, A was prosecuted for touching body parts that could cause sexual discomfort with his hands without informing a customer, who was receiving a massage from a female massage therapist at a massage parlor in Seocho-gu, Seoul, that the massage therapist had been replaced by himself. He was also charged with sexually assaulting another customer lying face down to receive a massage in January of the following year.

Since the current Medical Service Act only recognizes massage therapist qualifications for visually impaired persons, A, who is non-disabled, was also indicted for violating the Medical Service Act by charging 30,000 won from victims who came to receive massages.

A’s side denied the sexual violence charges except for the violation of the Medical Service Act, claiming, "The service was provided with the victim’s consent."

On the other hand, the prosecution emphasized, "The defendant has previously been sentenced to a suspended prison term and committed two sexual violence crimes. His habitual behavior is recognized, and the possibility of reoffending is high."

The first trial found A guilty of forcible molestation and violation of the Medical Service Act. It stated, "Considering the conversations exchanged among the victim, her boyfriend, and the defendant, as well as the circumstances of the agreement document, it is recognized that the defendant physically touched the victim and that the victim was suddenly and unexpectedly molested without her awareness during the process."

However, regarding the rape charge, the court acquitted him, stating, "There is no proof of the facts alleged in the indictment."

The prosecution appealed this ruling.

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