Yoo Young-jae Appeals Sexual Assault Conviction Involving Sunwoo Eun-sook's Sister

Yoo Young-jae, a broadcaster sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison for sexually assaulting A, the sister of actress Sunwoo Eun-sook, has filed an appeal against the ruling. The Suwon District Court's Seongnam branch, presided over by Judge Heo Yong-gu, found Yoo guilty of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, specifically for committing sexual assault against a family member. In addition to his prison sentence, Yoo was ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and is prohibited from working in institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled for five years.

The court noted that the victim's testimony was detailed and consistent, stating, "There are no contradictions or irrationalities when viewed in light of experience." The ruling emphasized that Yoo exploited his familial relationship to commit the assault on five occasions. Furthermore, the court highlighted that the victim had no motive to provide false testimony, referencing consistent Supreme Court precedents that support the credibility of the victim's claims.

Following the verdict, both Yoo and the prosecution filed appeals, leading the case to proceed to the appellate court. A's legal representative, attorney Noh Jong-eon, expressed that the appeal was anticipated, citing the principle of non-retrogression in criminal proceedings, which prevents harsher sentences if only the defendant appeals.

Noh also indicated that it will be interesting to see how Yoo's defense will unfold in the appellate court, particularly whether he will maintain his claims of innocence or show genuine remorse. He noted that if Yoo sincerely apologizes and the victim is willing to forgive, there could be a possibility of avoiding a prison sentence.

In the first trial, Yoo denied all charges, and it remains uncertain whether he will continue to do so in the second trial. Noh expressed caution regarding discussions of forgiveness, stating that the current situation makes it difficult to approach the topic.

Additionally, Noh pointed out the severe secondary victimization faced by the victim due to online harassment and negative comments, which have caused significant emotional distress. He mentioned that it is challenging to discuss forgiveness or settlement under these circumstances.

Regarding the potential for A and Sunwoo Eun-sook to testify again in the second trial, Noh suggested it might be unlikely due to the nature of sexual assault cases, which often occur in private without witnesses. He noted that all necessary testimonies had already been collected in the first trial, including that of Sunwoo Eun-sook, who was the first to hear about the incidents.

After the first trial concluded, Sunwoo Eun-sook's side released a statement respecting the court's decision and hoping it would prompt society to reconsider issues of sexual violence within families. They also highlighted the severe mental distress caused by online harassment and called for the removal of defamatory comments, warning of legal action against any further harassment after a one-week grace period.

They concluded by expressing a desire for a world where victims of sexual violence are protected from ridicule and secondary harm, hoping this ruling will serve as a catalyst for change.