[Exclusive]"Possible Return?".. Composer and Broadcaster Yoo Jae-hwan's Forced Indecency Fine Sentence Ultimately Goes to Supreme Court

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Jae-hwan, a composer and broadcaster, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against even the 5th million won fine imposed during the second-instance trial for the charge of forced indecency.

According to StarNews, Yoo Jae-hwan personally submitted his appeal document on the 23rd, contesting the second-instance verdict on the forced indecency charges.

Previously, on the afternoon of the 16th, the Seoul Southern District Court's Criminal Division 3-1 upheld the original verdict in the second-instance trial regarding Yoo Jae-hwan's forced indecency charges and imposed a fine of 5 million won.

The court stated, "We find the original judgment to be justifiable. There appears to be no reason to alter the sentence. The defendant's claim of inappropriate sentencing is difficult to accept." It further rejected the appeals filed by the Prosecution Service and Yoo Jae-hwan. The court added, "The victim's testimony remained consistent from law enforcement authorities through to the courtroom." It noted, "The defendant has pointed out inconsistencies in parts of the victim's testimony and discrepancies with statements made by witness Jeong Mo. However, the testimony was consistent on key points from the investigation stage through the original trial court. Even though a year has passed since the incident occurred, the details remain specific, making it difficult to view them as fabricated."

Furthermore, "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. 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 concluded, "The original judgment was justifiable, and there are no special circumstances warranting a change in sentencing," thereby rejecting both the police and Yoo Jae-hwan's appeals and upholding the original verdict. Previously, last month, the Prosecution Service announced that it sought to overturn the original judgment and request a one-year prison sentence, consistent with the first-instance prosecution's recommendation.

After hearing the verdict, Yoo Jae-hwan remained seated in the courtroom, staring blankly without leaving. Subsequently, he told StarNews that he continues to deny the allegations and expressed his sense 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 venue, and as far as I know, she testified that nothing happened at the time, which contradicts her current claim."

He further countered, "At that time, I was active in the entertainment industry, so people around me often recognized me outside. It would be impossible for me to have acted that way. 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 return?" again expressing his sense of injustice. He also stated, "I plan to fight it all the way up to the Supreme Court."

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

During the second-instance trial held on the 11th last month, Yoo's side argued, "It is hard to imagine a broadcaster defendant committing forced indecency against a woman he met for the first time in a public place while 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 criminal 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 financial hardship. Many people recognize me, making it hard for me to go out. If the victim's testimony is consistent evidence, please understand that I have also been giving consistent statements."

Meanwhile, Yoo Jae-hwan first gained public recognition through MBC's variety show "Infinite Challenge." He later composed numerous songs, including "Myungsu-ne 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.