"If found guilty, please consider that I am a first-time offender": Yoo Jae-hwan sentenced on charges of 'sexual assault' today (16th) [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

The appeal trial sentencing date for composer and broadcaster Yoo Jae-hwan, who was sent to court on charges of sexual assault, is set to take place.

The Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 3-1 will proceed with the sentencing session for Yoo Jae-hwan's appeal regarding the sexual assault charges this afternoon on the 16th.

Yoo Jae-hwan was accused of sexually assaulting a victim after posting an Instagram message in June 2023 stating that he would compose songs without receiving composition fees. In November last year, during the first trial, Yoo Jae-hwan was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of 5 million won.

However, Yoo Jae-hwan's side filed an appeal citing misinterpretation of facts, misunderstanding of legal principles, and inappropriate sentencing.

During the appeal trial held on the 11th last month, Yoo Jae-hwan's side argued, "It is hard to imagine a broadcaster taking the risk of ending his broadcasting career by sexually assaulting a woman he met for the first time in a public place," and added, "The testimonies of third-party witness Jeong Mo and the victim also contradict each other on key points."

They further requested, "Even if found guilty, please consider Yoo Jae-hwan's health conditions such as panic disorder and his nearly non-existent criminal record."

The Prosecution Service stated that it seeks to overturn the original verdict and sentence Yoo Jae-hwan to one year in prison, consistent with the first trial's prosecution recommendation.

In his final statement, Yoo Jae-hwan said, "I deeply regret what happened," but also pleaded, "This situation has made it difficult for me to find employment, causing financial hardship, and I am unable to go out because many people might recognize me. If the victim's testimony is consistent evidence, please understand that my own testimony has been consistent as well."

Meanwhile, Yoo Jae-hwan first gained public recognition through MBC's variety show "Infinite Challenge." He later composed numerous songs, including "Myungsu's Tteokbokki," and debuted as a singer in 2015 under the stage name UL. Recently, amid ongoing legal proceedings, he changed his stage name to "Jeong Kyung," formed a mixed band named ROSE, released new songs, and sparked controversy.

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*This content was translated by AI.