Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Sexually Exploiting Minor, Claims "Unfair" Treatment for Being Male in Apology Letter

A man in his 30s who sexually exploited a minor has been sentenced to four years in prison in his appellate trial, after it was revealed he submitted an absurd apology letter claiming he was a victim, despite pretending to be remorseful in court.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Chuncheon Branch of the Seoul High Court dismissed the appeal filed by the 31-year-old defendant, identified as A, who was charged with violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles against Sexual Abuse.

The appellate court upheld the original sentence of four years in prison.

The court also maintained the original orders, including a seven-year ban on employment at institutions related to children and juveniles and three years of probation.

A was charged with sexually assaulting a minor, identified as B, who was under the age of 16, on five separate occasions.

Among these incidents, he was also charged with secretly filming one of the acts to produce sexually exploitative material.

Previously, the first-instance court sentenced A to four years in prison, stating that his crimes were anti-ethical and the nature of the offenses was severe.

Displeased with the ruling, A appealed the decision, and during the appellate trial, he admitted to all charges.

However, the apology letter he submitted to the court revealed a completely contradictory attitude.

In the letter, A wrote, "Why am I the one being punished just because I am a man, when I am the one who suffered?"

Upon seeing this, the court sharply criticized the defendant's duplicitous behavior.

Presiding Judge Lee Eun-hye asked A, "Do you feel aggrieved once you return to the detention center, even though you claim to be sorry in court?"

She continued to press him, saying, "You seem to feel very wronged, so please tell us your honest feelings."

A then confessed, "That is not what I truly meant, but I was always under the influence of medication, so I was never in my right mind."

The court stated that it had taken into account mitigating factors, such as the absence of physical violence or threats.

However, the court explained that it dismissed the appeal because the victim refused to accept the deposited compensation and has petitioned for a severe punishment.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.