[Sportschosun Reporter Park A-ram] Prosecutors have sought a heavy prison sentence for a taxi driver who was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting YouTuber Gwak Hyeol-su.
According to News1 on the 12th, prosecutors asked the court to sentence the driver, identified by his surname Jeong, to seven years in prison during the final hearing held by Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court.
They also requested a court order requiring him to complete a sexual violence treatment program, disclose and notify his personal information for 10 years, and wear an electronic monitoring device for 10 years.
Jeong was indicted for allegedly picking up Gwak, who was intoxicated and in a state of incapacity or unable to resist, near Hongik University station in Mapo District, Seoul, in May 2024, then sexually assaulting and molesting her. Prosecutors said the victim suffered both psychological and physical harm as a result.
The defense, however, denies all charges. Jeong's side argues that the victim did not leave the taxi despite being heavily intoxicated, and that some of the physical contact did not amount to forced sexual assault.
In the closing argument, the defense also questioned the credibility of the victim's testimony. It stressed that, because she was heavily intoxicated at the time, her memory may have been distorted, and that some of her statements do not match objective evidence.
The sentencing hearing has been set for the morning of July 10.
Gwak first publicly revealed the assault through her channel in November last year, sparking a public backlash. Support for the victim later spread online, along with the #MeToo hashtag campaign.
She has also called for the introduction of non-consensual rape laws and has spoken out in related legislative debates.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
