Broadcaster Yoo Young-jae (61) was imprisoned after being sentenced to a prison term in the first trial for allegedly sexually assaulting actress Sunwoo Eunsook's biological sister.
The Seongnam Branch of Suwon District Court's Criminal Division 1 (Director General Heo Yong-goo) sentenced Yoo to 2 years and 6 months in prison on the 23rd for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (sexual assault due to familial relationship). The court also ordered Yoo to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and imposed a five-year employment restriction for institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled.
The court said immediately after the verdict that there was a risk of flight and thus detained Yoo.
The court noted, 'Considering the specific and consistent nature of the victim's testimony, there are no contradictions or irrationalities based on experience,' and added, 'When taking into account the facts recognized as evidence and the related circumstances, the victim's testimony is sufficiently credible, and it can be acknowledged that the defendant sexually assaulted a relative five times.'
It further explained, 'Considering various circumstances such as the victim having no motive to give false testimony, the Supreme Court's consistent precedent indicates that the victim's claims cannot be dismissed lightly.'
The court remarked, 'Looking at the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the nature of the crime, and the methods used, the quality of the crime is poor,' and explained the reasons for sentencing, stating, 'The victim has not been compensated, and the defendant has not received forgiveness from the victim, yet the defendant denies the acts and fails to show genuine remorse.'
However, it mentioned, 'The fact that there are no prior sexual crimes and that acquaintances are pleading for leniency was taken into consideration as a favorable circumstance.'
Yoo stated immediately after the verdict, 'I will reflect on my actions.'
Earlier, Yoo was tried for allegedly sexually assaulting Sunwoo Eunsook's biological sister five times between March and October 2023, when Sunwoo Eunsook was his then-wife. He married Sunwoo Eunsook in 2022 but divorced in April last year. Currently, a marriage annulment lawsuit filed by Sunwoo Eunsook is proceeding separately from this case.