Twenty male teachers in their twenties convicted of raping minors and sexually assaulting students have received suspended sentences rather than prison terms. In one instance, a three-year jail sentence was reduced to five years of probation.
Busan Court Ruling
On the 25th, a Busan High Court branch panel, led by Judge Park Kwang-seo, handed down the decision to defendant A, aged 25. Considering his lack of prior convictions, the court suspended a three-year prison term and imposed five years of probation instead.
The ruling mandates 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programming, along with a five-year ban on employment involving children, adolescents, or the disabled due to heightened risks.
Details of the Offense
A assaulted 14-year-old victim B last July while intoxicated at a factory owner’s residence. He also targeted other minors, providing special gifts to B and supplying substances linked to sexual assaults.
Panel’s Justification
The three-judge panel emphasized, “Minors require special protection in sexual offense cases. Courts must impose strict penalties on sex crimes to safeguard victims and deter offenders.”
Initially, A received a three-year sentence despite the victim’s reluctance for leniency, factoring in 20 million won in compensation. A appealed, arguing the punishment was excessive.
The panel responded, “A’s repeated sexual offenses against young children inflicted severe harm on victims, including adults. Injecting substances heightens social risks, potentially leading to addiction among unspecified individuals—far beyond typical social harm. Victim forgiveness alone does not suffice.”
However, the judges noted mitigating factors: “A shows no signs of recidivism in his records. He offered substantial compensation, apologies to the victim and court, and endured over eight months in detention—equivalent to time served. With no victim demand for harsher punishment, a suspended sentence is appropriate.”
