'Female Intern Sexual Assault' Former Special Advisor Yang Hyang-ja Reduced Sentence to Probation in Appeal Trial

"Does Not Seem to Be Serious Sexual Misconduct"... Avoids 1-Year Prison Sentence

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The former special aide to National Assembly member Yang Hyang-ja, who sexually harassed a female colleague, avoided imprisonment after receiving a suspended sentence in the appellate court.

The Gwangju District Court's 2nd Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Jin-man) overturned the original sentence of one year imprisonment and sentenced A (54), a special aide at the regional office who was detained and indicted on charges of forcible sexual harassment using authority at work, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension on the 9th.

Additionally, A was ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and to work for two years each at welfare facilities related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.

A’s side submitted sentencing reference materials, stating that they had reached a settlement with the victim on the day of the ruling.

The court judged, "The nature of the crime is serious, and it appears the victim suffered considerable psychological shock."

However, the court explained the sentencing rationale, saying, "Considering comprehensively that the defendant has reflected on his wrongdoing, the degree of the harassment is not deemed severe, there is no prior record of similar offenses or fines, and a smooth settlement was reached with the victim."

A, who is related to Assembly member Yang, was tried on charges of harassing a female employee in her 20s working as an aide at the regional office for several months after Yang’s election.

Meanwhile, A is also on trial for violating the Public Official Election Act by delivering holiday gifts worth approximately 1,905,000 won to Yang and election district residents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.