"Attempted Sexual Assault of Female Employee"... Kim's Family Restaurant Chairman Receives Suspended Sentence in First Trial

Court: "Serious Nature of the Crime Warrants Severe Punishment"
Consideration Given to Settlement and 300 Million Won Payment to the Victim

Yongman Kim, Chairman of Kim's Family Restaurant, who was brought to trial on charges of attempting to sexually assault a female employee after taking her to a motel while she was intoxicated following a company dinner, received a suspended sentence in the first trial.

Yongman Kim, Chairman of Kim Gana. Kim Gana homepage

On May 21, the Seoul Northern District Court Criminal Division 14 (Presiding Judge Oh Byunghee) sentenced Chairman Kim, who was indicted without detention on charges of attempted quasi-rape, to three years in prison with a five-year suspended sentence and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

Previously, Chairman Kim was brought to trial on charges of attempting to sexually assault a female employee who was rendered incapable of resistance due to intoxication at a company dinner on September 23, 2023, by taking her to a nearby motel. However, the attempt was not completed.

The court stated, "The defendant used the fact that a female employee at the company where he serves as CEO was heavily intoxicated to attempt rape, but did not succeed, which constitutes a serious crime. The victim suffered significant sexual humiliation and psychological distress as a result of this crime, warranting a severe punishment."

However, the court also said, "The defendant is reflecting on his actions. Although the victim initially agreed to a settlement and did not wish for punishment but later changed her mind, the defendant reached a settlement with the victim on September 27, 2023, and paid her a settlement amount of 300 million won on the same day. He has no previous convictions for similar offenses and no criminal record exceeding a fine. These circumstances were considered favorable factors. The sentence was determined after comprehensively considering the defendant's age, motivation, circumstances, and other sentencing factors." After the trial, Chairman Kim left the courthouse without answering reporters' questions about his position on the verdict or any plans to appeal.

Previously, at the first hearing held on April 16, the prosecution had requested a three-year prison sentence for Chairman Kim, along with an order to complete a sexual violence treatment program, the public disclosure and notification of personal information, and a five-year employment restriction order.

At that time, Chairman Kim stated in his final statement, "I deeply regret and reflect on my wrongdoing." He also appealed, saying, "For 30 years, I have operated Kim's Family Restaurant, a company responsible for providing valuable meals to ordinary people. If I am detained, it could also harm the livelihoods of employees at over 350 franchise locations and partner companies nationwide."

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