Folk Artist Im Oksang Accused of 'Forced Molestation' Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in Appeal Trial

Veteran minjung artist Im Oksang, who was indicted on charges of sexual assault, was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the appellate court as well.

Artist Im Oksang is entering the Seoul High Court courtroom on the 22nd to attend the appellate trial sentencing hearing for charges of forcible molestation. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

On the 22nd, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Appeals Division 2-2 (Chief Judge Kang Heeseok) sentenced Im, who was indicted on charges of sexual assault, to 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension, the same as the first trial. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

The court stated, "There are no new circumstances warranting a change in the original sentence," and "The original sentence does not appear to be outside the reasonable range of discretion due to being excessively harsh or lenient."

Im was indicted without detention last June on charges of forcibly hugging and kissing employee A, who worked at his art research institute, in August 2013.

The first trial considered that the victim suffered significant psychological trauma and did not forgive, that Im showed remorse, and that he deposited 20 million won as bail in determining the sentence.

Im has produced socially critical works in various fields such as painting, sculpture, installation, and performance for over 50 years. In 2017, his large painting "In the Square, Standing," depicting the candlelight rallies at Gwanghwamun Square, was hung in the Blue House main building but was removed after the first trial verdict.

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