Broadcaster Yoo Young-jae has been sentenced to prison and detained in court for forcibly sexually assaulting the biological sister of actress Sunwoo Eun-sook, and his first appeal trial is being held today.
On the 16th, the 2nd-3rd Criminal Division of the Suwon High Court will conduct the first appeal trial for Yoo Young-jae, who is detained on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (forced sexual assault due to familial relations).
Yoo Young-jae is accused of forcibly sexually assaulting A, the biological sister of Sunwoo Eun-sook, who was his wife at the time, by touching her body five times between March and October 2023.
In January, the first trial court sentenced Yoo Young-jae to 2 years and 6 months in prison, stating that there was a risk of flight, and thus ordered his detention. He was also mandated to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and a 5-year employment restriction in relation to children and disabled individuals.
The court stated, “The defendant and his lawyer claim that there was no forced sexual assault, but the victim's testimony is consistent and does not contain any irrational or contradictory parts,” adding, “Considering the facts recognized as evidence and related circumstances, the victim's testimony is sufficiently credible, and it can be acknowledged that the defendant forcibly sexually assaulted the victim, who is a relative, five times.”
Previously, Yoo Young-jae, who completely denied his charges in investigations and in court, appealed the day after the sentencing, citing factual misjudgment, legal misunderstanding, and inappropriate sentencing. The prosecution also submitted an appeal on the grounds of inappropriate sentencing. The prosecution had previously requested a 5-year prison sentence for Yoo and also asked the court to impose a sexual violence treatment program and employment restriction order.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
