[Trigger Warning: Mentions of Sexual Assault, Harassment, Rape]
Twenty-five-year-old male K-pop idol, who was in a 6-member group, received sentence after allegedly assaulting his co-member for four years.
K-pop Idol Receives 3-Year Suspended Prison Sentence for Charges of Sexual Assault
K-pop idol "A," who was charged with molestation and rape with a fellow member, has received his sentence.
On May 30, the Seoul Central District Court's 29th Criminal Agreement Division (Chief Judge Kim Seung Jung) released the news that male idol A, who was handed over to trial on charges of forced harassment and rape was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.
With this, he will be put on three-year probation, and two and a half years in prison if he will not abide by the requirements set by the court.
The Seoul Court also ordered the male idol's completion of an 80-hour sexual violence treatment program.
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The court said:
"The crime quality is very bad in light of the method and number of crimes and the age of the victim."
The chief judge then explained the reason for the sentence, saying:
"The sentence was decided in consideration of the fact that A generally reflected on his wrongdoings and reached an agreement with the victim."
To protect the victim and other members of the group, the identity of the male idol A wasn't revealed, aside from the fact that he's 25 years old and a former member of a six-member K-pop group.
Here's What Happened To Male Idol's Sexual Assualt Controversy
The male idol's sexual assault case was publicized when he was indicted on charges of "touching" a fellow team member in their practice room and trainees' accommodation.
A, who was 19 at the time, committed wrongdoings at least three times from 2017 to 2021.
In 2021, the victim reported the abuse to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, and the culprit was indicted for indecent assault and similar rape in January.
A quietly left the group for "personal reasons" in the same year. Later on, the company would claim that they were investigating the matter and would release an official statement.
On the other hand, during the trial, A admitted and reflected on the charges of forced harassment, but denied the charges of similar rape. He claimed that he really couldn't remember most of the charges because he was under the influence of alcohol.
Upon hearing this news, K-pop fans sympathized with the victim and hoped that he was going to win the case. They continued by calling out K-pop companies to strengthen their protection against sexual harassment and assault cases, especially for their young trainees.
Unfortunately, experts emphasized that while the trainees are under the supervision of their agencies, the company is not considered an employment or educational institution; thus, they don't have the duty to prevent or protect trainees from sex crimes.
READ MORE: Male Idol From 'Produce 101' S2 Sentenced to Probation After Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend
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