The husband of Kurly CEO Kim Seul-a, a person surnamed Jeong, 49, was given a suspended prison sentence at the first trial on charges of forcibly molesting a probationary employee.
The Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 5 single-judge panel (Presiding Judge Chu Jin-seok) on the 7th sentenced Jeong, who was indicted on charges of forcible molestation, to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
The court said, "As the company's chief, Jeong molested a probationary employee, and the severity is not light," and noted, "The victim tried to get away, but Jeong continued the molestation in front of coworkers, causing sexual humiliation."
However, the court explained the reasons for sentencing, saying, "Jeong admits the criminal facts, paid a settlement to the victim, and the victim does not want punishment," and "apart from a fine imposed long ago, there is no criminal record."
Earlier, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Jeong to one year in prison, suspended for two years, with completion of a sexual violence treatment program and a three-year employment restriction order.
Jeong was brought to trial on charges of sexually molesting a probationary employee at a restaurant in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in June last year. At the time, Jeong touched the probationary employee's shoulders and arms and made remarks to the effect of "I like you," it was found.
Jeong is the head of an affiliate, Next Kitchen, which supplies home meal replacements to Kurly Inc., and was suspended by the company after the incident. Kurly Inc. holds 46.4% equity in Next Kitchen.