"I want to ask Ko Young-wook…" So Jae-won shares past experience as a child sexual abuse victim, delivers sharp critique [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Novelist and writer So Jae-won revealed that she was a victim of childhood sexual abuse in the past, mentioning Ko Young-wook, a former member of the group Rula who has a history of sexual crimes against minors.

On the 28th, So Jae-won posted on her social media, "I am bringing up my painful past, which is now too difficult to even speak of, in an attempt to persuade and make Mr. Ko Young-wook understand, despite his indifference to harsh criticism. I sincerely hope that this post will serve as a turning point for him, who desires to reintegrate into society, to truly awaken and act rightly." She then disclosed her past experience as a victim of sexual abuse.

Along with this, she shared a screenshot of an article she had contributed in 2012 while active as a guardian against child sexual abuse. According to the article, So Jae-won stated that at the age of seven, she was sexually molested for about an hour, and that memory caused her mental confusion and a collapse of self-identity.

She further stated, "Sexual crime is not a brief pain but a suffering one must carry for a lifetime, and a festering wound that never heals," raising her voice against the impact of sexual abuse.

So Jae-won said, "For the first time, I confessed my experience as a victim of child sexual abuse through writing. I wanted to let people know why I write 'Sowon' (a play on words meaning 'wish/prayer') and why I have called for severe punishment specifically for sexual crimes. I hoped many would understand." She added, "I want to ask Mr. Ko Young-wook. Not as a sharp criticism, but as a serious question from my heart: What systems and improvements are needed for the recovery and healing of sexual crime victims?"

She noted, "Of course, Mr. Ko Young-wook may want to return to society as a citizen. His desire to communicate with others through YouTube and TikTok is likely an expression of that wish. He would probably argue that he has received legal punishment, committed no crimes after his release, and faithfully complied with probation." However, she continued, "He has received legal punishment and been granted freedom. But social evaluation is still ongoing. If he truly thirsts for communication with others, or if he wants to post something on social media, I suggest he pick up cigarette butts, fill a 20-liter trash bag, and post a photo of it."

She also said, "I suggest you post a reflection on yourself rather than criticizing or evaluating others," adding, "Doing so will not comfort victims or lead to forgiveness. However, incidents where victims unexpectedly encounter his writings as news articles due to the whirlwind of such massive issues will decrease."

Finally, she added, "Please, I earnestly beg you to exercise a little self-restraint and take time, even briefly, to reflect on yourself."

Ko Young-wook recently sparked controversy by posting writings targeting actors Lee Min-jung and Lee Byung-hun, Park Ha-sun, comedians Jang Do-yeon and Jang Dong-min, singers Lee Chan-won and Lee Ji-hye, and broadcasters Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Sang-min, and Tak Jae-hoon.

Meanwhile, Ko Young-wook was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for statutory rape of a minor in 2013. He was also ordered to have his identity disclosed for five years and to wear an electronic ankle monitor for three years, the first such case for an entertainer. After his release, he attempted to resume activities through Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms, but failed due to his criminal record. Recently, he created a TikTok account on the social media platform, but it was deleted.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.