A ruling by the Seoul High Court has ignited significant public outrage after it reduced the sentence of a man convicted of livestreaming the sexual assault of an unconscious woman. The case involves Kim, a 30-year-old male streamer, who was initially sentenced to eight years in prison for molestation. The court’s recent decision to slash his sentence to five years has drawn widespread condemnation from netizens and activists alike.
In May 2025, Kim faced trial for sexually assaulting a woman who was reportedly intoxicated and drugged, while broadcasting the act to his audience of approximately 200 viewers. Despite the heinous nature of the crime, the appellate court determined that Kim did not directly profit from the livestream, stating, “Even if the livestream generated revenue, that income did not go directly to the defendant.” This reasoning led to the significant reduction of his sentence.
One of the factors cited by the court in its decision was the expressed wish of one victim not to pursue severe punishment against Kim. The judges considered this statement, which has raised further concerns regarding the judicial system’s handling of sexual assault cases. Critics argue that such sentiments can stem from fear of retaliation or a desire to avoid further trauma, suggesting that they should not be a basis for leniency in sentencing.
Public reaction has been swift and intense. Many have taken to social media platforms to voice their outrage. Comments such as “The judges were part of the 200 viewers, huh?” and “This is insane” reflect the widespread disbelief at the court’s decision. Others expressed frustration at the perceived leniency towards sexual offenders, with one user stating, “Whenever I see sentencing for sex crimes, Korea feels like it’s progressing backwards.”
The judges presiding over the case—Park Young Joo, Park Jae Woo, and Jung Moon Kyung—now face immense scrutiny as many are questioning their understanding of the impact of such crimes on victims. Critics have highlighted a troubling trend in how sexual assault cases are handled in South Korea, with some calling for a reevaluation of the judicial approach to these offenses.
This incident follows a similar public outcry regarding the sentencing of former NCT member Taeil, who also faced backlash for a reduced sentence related to aggravated rape. Such cases have underscored a growing concern in South Korea about how sexual violence is prosecuted and the legal protections afforded to victims.
As discussions about justice and accountability continue, many are calling for systemic changes to ensure that victims are prioritized in legal proceedings. The anger surrounding Kim’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice in sexual assault cases, not only in South Korea but globally. Activists and concerned citizens are urging for reforms that would lead to harsher penalties for offenders and better support for victims navigating the legal system.
