Prosecutors Investigate Korea National Open University Student Council President for Sexual Assault Allegation

Published 11 May.2021 11:41(KST)

Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office, commencing operations on the 19th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] It has been confirmed that the prosecution is investigating the president of the National Student Council of Korea National Open University (KNOU) on charges of sexually harassing student council executives from other regions.

According to the legal community on the 11th, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office is investigating Mr. A, the president of the KNOU National Student Council, who is accused of forcible molestation. Mr. A is suspected of repeatedly making physical contact without consent with two female student council executives from other regions at a restaurant in Busan on February 20.

At the time, despite the victims expressing refusal, he is reported to have harassed the executives by hugging them and touching their faces and shoulders while intoxicated.

The victims filed complaints against Mr. A with investigative authorities and officially raised the issue with the university. The police completed their investigation and referred Mr. A to the prosecution on charges of forcible molestation.

KNOU also conducted its own investigation and held a Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Deliberation Committee on the 15th of last month, concluding that Mr. A's actions constituted sexual harassment. The university plans to hold a Student Guidance Committee meeting to discuss the level of disciplinary action.