Prosecutors Seek Three-Year Prison Term for Kim Ga Nae Chairman Kim Yongman Over Attempted Sexual Assault of Female Employee

by Park Hosu

Published 16 Apr.2026 12:33(KST)

Kim Claims "300 Million Won Settlement Reached Immediately After Incident"

Prosecutors have demanded a prison sentence for Kim Yongman, chairman of Kim Ga Nae, who has been 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.

Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office exterior. Photo by Yonhap News

On April 16, during a hearing held at the 14th Criminal Division of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Oh Byunghee), the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office requested that Chairman Kim, who has been indicted on charges of attempted quasi-rape, be sentenced to three years in prison. The prosecution also requested that he complete a sex offender treatment program, that his personal information be made public and notified, and that he be barred from employment for five years.

According to prosecutors, on September 23, 2023, Chairman Kim was indicted on charges of attempting to sexually assault a female employee who was in a state of incapacitation due to intoxication after a company dinner, by taking her to a nearby motel. The crime was not completed and remained at the attempt stage.

On this day, Chairman Kim’s legal counsel stated, "The defendant acknowledges all the charges and is genuinely remorseful. Immediately after the incident, he paid 300 million won to the victim, reaching a settlement and achieving considerable restitution." The attorney further argued, "The defendant is 67 years old, is in poor health, and poses no threat of reoffending. We ask for the maximum leniency permitted by law."

In his final statement, Chairman Kim said, "I deeply regret and reflect on what I have done. If I am incarcerated, it will cause irreparable harm to the livelihoods of the franchisees, partner companies, and their employees." He added, "For the remainder of my life, I will devote myself to running the company, providing food for ordinary people, and serving society."

The first trial verdict for Chairman Kim is scheduled to be delivered at 10 a.m. on May 21.