Heewon Jung, "Slow Aging" Expert, Referred to Prosecution... Forced Molestation Charge Excluded

Counter-Complaints Exchanged with Appointed Female Researcher
Both Parties Withdraw Complaints and Submit Statements of Non-Punishment

Dr. Heewon Jung, Seoul Metropolitan Government

Dr. Heewon Jung, Seoul Metropolitan Government

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Dr. Heewon Jung, a well-known expert in "slow aging," has been referred to the prosecution without detention after a legal battle involving accusations of stalking and other charges with a female researcher.


According to Yonhap News on March 10, the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul acknowledged parts of the charges against Dr. Jung, including violations of the Anti-Stalking Act, defamation, and false accusation, and referred him to the prosecution without detention the previous day. However, the police did not refer the charge of forced molestation using influence.


Dr. Jung, who served as a professor in the Department of Geriatrics at Asan Medical Center in Seoul until 2024 before resigning, gained recognition for promoting the concept of slow aging since 2023. However, he recently became embroiled in an alleged extramarital affair with a female researcher in her 30s, resulting in his resignation as Seoul City's Chief Health Officer and the cancellation of his radio program, significantly damaging his public image.


Dr. Jung claimed he was being stalked and filed a complaint against the woman for attempted extortion and trespassing. In response, the woman filed a counter-complaint, alleging "gender-based violence arising from a power dynamic," and accused Dr. Jung of forced molestation and other charges.


Subsequently, both parties withdrew their complaints and submitted statements of non-punishment to the police. As a result, investigations were not conducted on some of the charges.


The police had also decided not to detain Ms. A and referred her to the prosecution last month on February 15 for violations of the Anti-Stalking Act and trespassing, among other charges.

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