Sunwoo Eun-sook's Side on Yoo Young-jae's Court Imprisonment: "A Sensible Verdict"

Broadcaster Yoo Young-jae was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, and actress Sunwoo Eun-sook's side stated that it was a "sensible ruling."

On the 23rd, No Jong-eon, a lawyer from the law firm Jonjae representing Sunwoo Eun-sook, said, "We respect the judiciary's sensible ruling," and added, "We hope this becomes an opportunity for members of our society to reconsider the issue of sexual violence within families."

Actor Sunwoo Eun-sook, announcer Yoo Young-jae. Starit Entertainment, Gyeongin Broadcasting

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He also said, "We would like to give a one-week grace period to those who have committed ridicule, insults, and defamation through false information in comments on the internet and YouTube broadcasts, and we would appreciate it if you delete them." Sunwoo Eun-sook's side plans to take legal action against secondary victimization comments and broadcasts starting one week later. They emphasized, "We sincerely hope that this ruling will lead to a world where sexual violence victims are not subjected to ridicule and insults and are protected from secondary victimization."

On the same day, Yoo Young-jae, who was indicted on charges of forcibly molesting Sunwoo Eun-sook's older sister, was sentenced to prison in the first trial and was taken into custody in court. The Criminal Division 1 of Suwon District Court Seongnam Branch (Chief Judge Heo Yong-gu) sentenced Yoo Young-jae, who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (forcible molestation within family relations), to 2 years and 6 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and was banned from employment at institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities for 5 years. The court immediately detained him, citing "risk of flight."

The court stated, "The victim's testimony is detailed and consistent, and there are no contradictions or irrational parts based on experience," and "Considering the facts recognized as evidence and related circumstances, the victim's testimony is sufficiently credible, and it can be acknowledged that the defendant forcibly molested the victim, who is a family member, five times," thus recognizing all charges as guilty.

Furthermore, the court explained the sentencing by saying, "Considering various circumstances such as the victim having no motive to give false testimony, the Supreme Court's consistent precedent is that the victim's claims cannot be lightly dismissed," and "Given the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the nature and method of the crime, the crime is serious. The damage has not been repaired, and the victim has not forgiven the defendant, yet the defendant denies the crime and does not show genuine remorse."

However, the court noted, "The absence of prior sexual offenses and the fact that acquaintances pleaded for leniency were considered favorable factors." Yoo Young-jae expressed his feelings immediately after the sentencing, saying, "I will reflect."

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