Rapper Formerly on 'High School Rapper' on Trial for Molesting 9-Year-Old Boy... Claims "Diminished Mental Capacity"

Rapper A, a former contestant of the competition program 'High School Rapper,' has been indicted on charges of sexually molesting a male child. Photo by Pixabay

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Rapper A, who gained fame through the competition program 'High School Rapper,' has appeared in court on charges of molesting a male child.

On the 27th, A appeared in the courtroom of the Jeonju District Court's 11th Criminal Division (Chief Judge No Jong-chan) on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

A was indicted for allegedly touching parts of 9-year-old boy B's body last year in Haeundae, Busan. It is known that the police were dispatched following a report from bystanders at the time. The victim reportedly stated that "he slightly brushed the buttocks, only touched."

In court, A's lawyer stated, "The defendant gave an incomprehensible explanation for the act, saying he 'touched the buttocks to dip in sauce.' This was due to a state of diminished mental capacity at the time." He added, "The defendant judged himself to be musically unable to make a comeback and returned to his hometown Jeonju. Afterwards, due to his mental illness, he exhibited strange behavior such as lying naked on the street. He then took a taxi to Haeundae, where he committed the act despite having no connections there." The lawyer continued, "He was diagnosed with a severe mental disorder in June last year and was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital for about 70 days. Considering these circumstances, it can be seen that the crime was committed under diminished mental capacity."

Finally, the lawyer argued, "This act is qualitatively different from molestation involving grabbing or hitting a woman's body and is a relatively minor offense. Please give the defendant, who is currently focused on working on a new album, a chance to make a comeback."

A also made a final statement, saying, "I sincerely apologize once again for causing pain to the victim and their family. If given a chance to make a comeback, I want to contribute to society through the music I can create."

The prosecution demanded a five-year prison sentence for A. The next trial is scheduled for early June.

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