TV Personality Yoo Young-jae Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months for Sexual Assault

Yoo Young-jae, a television personality and the former brother-in-law of actress Sunwoo Eun-sook, has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for sexual assault against his sister-in-law. On January 23, 2025, the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court found Yoo guilty of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, specifically for committing sexual assault against a family member. The court deemed him a flight risk and ordered his immediate incarceration.

In addition to the prison sentence, Yoo is required to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and is prohibited from working in institutions related to children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities for five years.

The court stated, "The defendant and his attorney claim that no assault occurred, but the victim's testimony is consistent and lacks any irrational or contradictory elements. We can confirm that the defendant committed sexual assault against the victim, who is a family member, on five occasions."

Yoo was accused of forcibly touching the victim's body multiple times from 2023 onwards. Despite denying the allegations during police and prosecution investigations, the prosecution proceeded with charges against him.

During the second trial, the victim testified that she had been assaulted in various locations, including the entrance, kitchen, and her own room. She recounted an incident where Yoo allegedly twisted her nipple and embraced her from behind while asking, "Did you sleep well?" This claim was denied by Yoo.

Sunwoo Eun-sook, who testified in the third trial, revealed that she had heard about the assaults from her sister. She mentioned that there was a time when they considered reconciling, but her sister felt compelled to share the details of the incidents after hearing a recording of Yoo.

The prosecution sought a five-year prison sentence for Yoo, along with the same treatment program and employment restrictions.

Following the sentencing, Sunwoo Eun-sook's representatives expressed respect for the court's decision, hoping it would prompt society to reconsider issues of sexual violence within families. They also highlighted the severe mental distress the sisters faced due to online harassment and urged those who spread false information to remove their comments within a week, warning of legal action thereafter.

Yoo Young-jae and Sunwoo Eun-sook were married in 2022 but divorced after 18 months in April 2023. Sunwoo had previously filed for annulment, but the court dismissed the case, stating there was no reason to continue since they were already divorced.