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A former CEO of a Korean entertainment agency has been handed a suspended prison sentence of one year for physically assaulting a minor idol with a blunt object.
On January 14, the Seoul Central District Court’s 16th Criminal Division, led by Judge Lee Kyung Sun, sentenced the former agency CEO (hereafter referred to as A) to a one-year prison term and three years of probation. The court also ordered him to complete 120 hours of community service.
Mr. A was convicted of special assault, child abuse, and other charges, as reported by News1 on January 29.
The ex-CEO faced trial last June for allegedly assaulting idol group members at their dorm. The incident occurred while he was drunk, and an investigation was launched after one of the victims reported it to the police.
Additionally, Mr. A is accused of physically abusing a minor member of the idol group, referred to as B, over allegations that B was dating the group’s manager. The former CEO reportedly questioned B about the relationship, claiming it violated company rules. When B denied the allegations, he hit B’s thighs and buttocks multiple times.
Mr. A was also accused of assaulting group members with an iron bar after complaining that the dorm’s bathroom was dirty.
The court criticized, “The child, who was unable to resist or defend themselves, was repeatedly assaulted with a hanger rod that was previously possessed, resulting in an injury requiring four weeks of treatment. The severity of the assault was so harsh that the hanger broke.”
It continued, “The hanger rod was used to strike the heads of other victims, who were fellow artists. Considering the means of assault and the areas of the body targeted, the risk involved is significant,” and added, “Given the circumstances at the time of the crime, the nature of the offense is severe.”
The court explained that several factors were considered when determining the suspension of the prison sentence. It included the defendant’s admission of guilt, absence of a prior criminal record, and resignation as CEO. In Addition, Mr. A reached a settlement of 80 million won with some victims and agreements with the rest.