'Allegations of Forced Indecency' Composer and Broadcaster Yoo Jae-hwan Expresses Injustice After Sentencing: "Can I Continue My Activities?" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Jae-hwan, a composer and broadcaster indicted on charges of forced indecency, expressed his sense of injustice after receiving a fine of 5 million won in the appellate court ruling.

On the afternoon of the 16th, the 3-1 Criminal Division of Seoul Southern District Court upheld the original verdict in Yoo Jae-hwan's appeal regarding the forced indecency charges and sentenced him to a fine of 5 million won.

Following the sentencing on this day, Yoo Jae-hwan repeatedly denied the allegations to StarNews while voicing his sense of injustice. He stated, "The victim claims I touched her, but she was the one who suggested going to a karaoke room first. We sang together for about an hour and a half at the karaoke venue, and I understand that she previously testified there was nothing unusual at the time, which contradicts her current claim."

He further countered, "At the time, I was active in the entertainment industry, and people often recognized me in public. It would be impossible for me to have acted as alleged. When we parted ways, we only exchanged greetings with a high-five; there was no physical contact as the victim claims."

Yoo Jae-hwan said, "I truly feel wronged. Can I continue my activities?" while reiterating his sense of injustice. He also announced, "I plan to take this case all the way to the Supreme Court and fight until the end."

The court stated, "We consider the original verdict to be appropriate. There appears to be no reason to modify the sentence. The defendant's claim of an improper sentencing range is difficult to accept," and thus rejected the appeals from both the Prosecution Service and Yoo Jae-hwan.

Yoo Jae-hwan was accused of forced indecency after posting on Instagram in June 2023 with the intent of "creating songs without receiving composition fees." In November last year, he was found guilty in the first instance and sentenced to a fine of 5 million won. However, Yoo's legal team filed an appeal citing misinterpretation of facts, misunderstanding of legal principles, and improper sentencing.

The court noted, "The victim's testimony has remained consistent from the law enforcement authorities through to the courtroom." It further stated, "The defendant points out inconsistencies in the victim's testimony and claims it does not align with statements made by witness Mr. Jeong. However, the testimony has been consistent on key points from the investigation stage through the original trial court, and the details are specific enough that it is difficult to view it as fabricated."

Additionally, the court added, "The defendant also maintained consistency while explaining the circumstances at the time, and objective evidence such as call records and text messages submitted as proof supports the credibility of the testimony."

The court concluded, "The original verdict is appropriate, and there are no grounds to modify the sentence."

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*This content was translated by AI.