'Physical 100' Cast Former National Rugby Player Sentenced to 7 Years for Sexual Assault and Illegal Filming of Partner

Court: "Strict Punishment Needed for Dating Violence Crimes"

A former national rugby player, who gained public attention by appearing on the Netflix variety show 'Physical:100,' was sentenced to a heavy prison term in the first trial for sexually assaulting and illegally filming his girlfriend.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 (Presiding Judge Lee Jung-min) sentenced A (31), a former national rugby player, to 7 years in prison on the charge of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (rape causing injury) on the 20th. In addition, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

The court stated, "The defendant and the victim had differences in physique and physical ability, and the defendant was armed with a weapon and showed threatening behavior," adding, "He also exhibited unpredictable actions such as drinking alcohol and hitting the victim’s head until it bled." The court further explained, "Considering that these actions were carried out over the course of a day, the victim’s fear and sexual discomfort would have been greatly intensified."

In particular, the court emphasized, "The defendant’s crime constitutes dating violence," and added, "Dating violence crimes often occur in special relationships where complex emotions explode, resulting in severe consequences, thus requiring strict punishment."

A was arrested and indicted on charges of threatening his girlfriend with a weapon and sexually assaulting her at his home in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of February 23 (rape causing injury and special intimidation under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act). He is also accused of filming her with a mobile phone without her consent.

In the previous sentencing hearing, the prosecution requested a 12-year prison sentence for A. At the sentencing hearing held on the 21st of last month, A’s defense attorney stated, "He sincerely apologizes to the victim for causing irreparable harm due to impulsive behavior," but argued, "Regarding the filming, he believed he had the victim’s consent." In his final statement, A said, "I apologize for causing trouble," and "I reflect and repent."

Meanwhile, A gained public recognition by appearing on the 9-episode Netflix survival variety show 'Physical:100,' which aired from January 24 to February 21.

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