"Will I be able to continue my activities?" Yoo Jae-hwan sentenced to a fine in the appeal trial over allegations of forced molestation [Star][Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Jae-hwan, a composer and broadcaster who was sentenced to a fine of 5 million won in the appeal trial over allegations of forced molestation, once again expressed his sense of injustice.

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 trial regarding the charges of forced molestation and sentenced him to a fine of 5 million won.

On this day, the court stated, "We consider the original judgment to be appropriate. There appears to be no reason to alter the sentence. We find it difficult to accept the defendant's claim that the sentencing was unfair," thereby rejecting the appeals filed by both the Prosecution Service and Yoo Jae-hwan.

Furthermore, the court noted, "The victim's testimony has remained consistent from the law enforcement authorities through to the courtroom." It added, "The defendant points out inconsistencies in parts of the victim's testimony and claims it does not align with the statements of witness Jeong Mo. However, the testimony has been consistent on key points from the investigation stage through the original trial court. Even though a year has passed since the incident, the details remain specific, making it difficult to view them as fabricated."

The court also added, "He maintained consistency even in explaining the circumstances at the time, and objective evidence such as call records and text messages submitted as proof further support the credibility of his testimony. While there are parts of the witness's statement that are difficult to verify for credibility, it is hard to conclude that the victim's testimony lacks credibility altogether."

The court stated, "The original judgment is appropriate, and there are no special circumstances warranting a change in sentencing," thereby rejecting both the police's and Yoo Jae-hwan's appeals and upholding the original verdict. Previously, last month, the Prosecution Service announced that it sought to overturn the first-instance ruling and requested a one-year prison sentence, consistent with the initial prosecution's demand.

After hearing the verdict, Yoo Jae-hwan remained seated in the courtroom, staring blankly without leaving. Later, he told StarNews that he continues to deny the allegations and pleaded his case of injustice. He argued, "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 room, and at that time, she stated there was nothing wrong. This contradicts her current claim."

He further countered, "At the time, I was active in entertainment activities, and people around me often recognized me outside. It is impossible that I would have acted in such a manner. 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. Will I be able to return?" once again expressing 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."

Yoo Jae-hwan was accused of forced molestation after posting an Instagram post in June 2023 with the intention 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 Jae-hwan's side filed an appeal citing misinterpretation of facts, misunderstanding of legal principles, and unfair sentencing.

During the appeal trial held on the 11th last month, Yoo Jae-hwan's side argued, "It is hard to imagine that a broadcaster defendant would forcibly molest a woman he met for the first time in a public place, risking the end of his broadcasting career." They also claimed, "The testimonies of third-party witness Jeong Mo and the victim 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 prior record."

In his final statement, Yoo Jae-hwan said, "I am deeply remorseful," but also pleaded, "This situation has made it difficult for me to find employment, causing severe financial hardship. Many people recognize me, making it hard for me to go out. If the victim's testimony is considered consistent evidence, please acknowledge that I have also been consistently truthful in my statements."

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 made his debut as a singer under the stage name UL (Yoo Lee) in 2015. 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.