Company CEO Accused of Molesting Female Employee: Prosecutors Seek Suspended Sentence

Prosecution Seeks 1 Year in Prison, 2 Years Probation
"All Charges Admitted"

Prosecutors have requested a suspended prison sentence for Jung Seungbin, 49, CEO of Next Kitchen, who was indicted on charges of forcibly molesting a female junior employee during a company dinner.

Seoul Eastern District Court building. Seoul Eastern District Court

At a trial held on March 10 before Presiding Judge Choo Jinseok of the Criminal Division 5 at the Seoul Eastern District Court, prosecutors requested a sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, for Jung, who was indicted on charges of forcible molestation. They also sought an order for him to attend a three-year sexual violence treatment program and a three-year employment restriction.

Jung was indicted for repeatedly molesting female junior employee A at a restaurant in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in June of last year. Investigations found that he pulled A by the shoulder, stroked her knee, and made comments implying that he "liked her."

In his final statement, Jung admitted all charges. He said, "This will remain the most shameful incident of my life," and added, "I will not dismiss it as a simple mistake made under the influence of alcohol, but will accept it as an issue of attitude toward life and self-control."

Jung’s side reached an amicable settlement with A, including hiring her as a permanent employee, and obtained a letter of non-punishment from her.

The sentencing hearing for Jung is scheduled for 1:50 p.m. on April 7.

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