The appeal sentencing for broadcaster Yoo Youngjae, who is accused of forcibly sexually assaulting Sunwoo Eunsook's biological sister, has been postponed.
According to the Suwon High Court's 2nd-3rd Criminal Division on the 11th, the appeal sentencing for Yoo Youngjae, who was detained on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (forced sexual assault due to familial relations), has been postponed to July.
Previously, during the appeal trial's decision hearing, the prosecution requested a 5-year prison sentence for Yoo Youngjae, the same as in the first trial.
The first trial court sentenced Yoo Youngjae to 2 years and 6 months in prison, along with 40 hours of sexual violence treatment program and a 5-year employment restriction in institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled on January 23. Yoo Youngjae, who was on trial without detention, was taken into custody immediately after the first trial's sentencing.
Yoo Youngjae's lawyer appealed for leniency from the court, stating in the final argument, “The defendant has been imprisoned due to this case and has come to realize the seriousness of the crime. He lives each day with a heart of apology towards the victim and will strive for recovery of the victim.”
Yoo Youngjae also expressed in his final statement, “I deeply apologize to the victim who is suffering. I have reflected a lot while in prison,” but the next day he appealed on the grounds of factual misjudgment, legal misunderstanding, and inappropriate sentencing. The prosecution also submitted an appeal citing inappropriate sentencing.
Yoo Youngjae married Sunwoo Eunsook in 2022 but divorced in April last year after 1 year and 6 months. Afterward, Sunwoo Eunsook filed for annulment of marriage, exposing Yoo Youngjae's third marriage and allegations of sexual assault against Mr. A, but the court dismissed the case, determining that there was no reason to proceed with the lawsuit as the two had already divorced.
