Prosecutors asked the court to sentence Kim Yong-man, the chair of Kim Ga-nae, to three years in prison on charges of attempting to rape a female employee by taking her to a motel after a company dinner when she was drunk.
The 14th Criminal Division for Combined Cases of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Oh Byung-hee, senior judge) concluded arguments on the 16th at the first court hearing for Chair Kim, who was indicted on a charge of attempted quasi-rape.
Kim is accused of attempting to rape a female employee who was incapacitated from intoxication by taking her to a nearby motel after a company dinner on Sept. 23, 2023, but the attempt failed.
Kim admitted to the charge. However, Kim's attorney said, "Right after the incident, the matter was effectively settled through a 300 million won agreement with the victim, but an accusation filed by a spouse in the midst of divorce proceedings led to the investigation being reopened and to the indictment."
In his final statement, Kim said he deeply reflects on the wrongdoing he committed, but added that if he is taken into custody, it could cause great harm to the livelihoods of franchisees and employees. He continued that for the rest of his life, he will devote himself to running the company by making food for ordinary people and serving society.
Prosecutors sought a three-year prison term for Kim. They also asked the court to order him to complete a sex offender treatment program, disclose and notify his identity information, and impose a five-year employment restriction.
Kim's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 21st of next month.