Actress Sunwoo Eunsook's side stated that her ex-husband, broadcaster Yoo Youngjae, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, calling it "a reasonable judgment."
On the 23rd, Sunwoo Eunsook's legal representative, attorney Noh Jong-eon from the law firm Jeongji, said, "We respect the reasonable judgment of the judiciary," and added, "I hope this serves as an opportunity for our society to reconsider the issue of sexual violence within families."
He also added, "We would like to give those who have mocked, insulted, and defamed with false facts through comments on the internet and YouTube a week's grace period, and we would appreciate it if you could delete them."
Sunwoo Eunsook's side plans to take legal action against secondary victimization comments and broadcasts starting a week later.
They expressed, "We sincerely hope that this ruling will lead to a world where victims of sexual violence are not mocked or insulted and are protected from secondary harm."
On the same day, Yoo Youngjae, who was indicted for forcibly molesting Sunwoo Eunsook's older sister, was sentenced to prison in the first trial and was taken into custody.
The 1st Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court Seongnam Branch (Judge Heo Yong-gu) sentenced Yoo Youngjae to 2 years and 6 months in prison for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (forcible molestation due to familial relations).
He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was prohibited from employment in institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled for 5 years. The court stated immediately after the sentencing, "There is a risk of flight," and took Yoo Youngjae into custody.
The court noted, "The victim's testimony is specific and consistent, and there are no contradictions or irrationalities when viewed in light of experience," and concluded, "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 relative, five times."
Furthermore, it stated, "Considering various circumstances, including that the victim has no motive to make false statements, it cannot be recklessly dismissed," and added, "Looking at the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the nature of the crime, and the methods used, the crime is serious. The victim has not been restored, and the defendant has not received forgiveness from the victim, yet he denies the crime and shows no genuine remorse."
However, it mentioned, "The absence of prior sexual offenses and the fact that acquaintances are pleading for leniency were considered as favorable circumstances."
Immediately after the sentencing, Yoo Youngjae expressed, "I will reflect on my actions."
