Jung Joon Young And Choi Jong Hoon Receive New Sentences Following Appeal Trial

Jung Joon Young and Choi Jong Hoon have had their sentences reduced following an appeal.

In November 2019, Jung Joon Young, Choi Jong Hoon, and three other individuals were charged with aggravated rape. Choi Jong Hoon and “Kim” received five-year prison sentences and Jung Joon Young received a six-year prison sentence. “Heo” received a sentence of eight months, suspended for two years, and “Kwon” received a sentence of four years. Both the defendants and the prosecution appealed the verdict, leading to a new round of hearings starting February 2020.

On May 12, the Seoul High Court led by head judge Yoon Jong Gu gave the sentencing for the appeal trial. This was originally scheduled to take place on May 7 but was delayed after Choi Jong Hoon and Jung Joon Young’s lawyers submitted a request to delay the sentencing date. Choi Jong Hoon and “Kim” reached an agreement with the victim after court proceedings, and Jung Joon Young was in the process of reaching an agreement with another victim, with their lawyer also agreeing to the delay.

At the sentencing that took place, Choi Jong Hoon had his original sentence reduced from five years in prison to two years and six months. Jung Joon Young’s six-year sentence was reduced to five years. They will also have to undergo 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and will face a five-year restriction on employment at facilities related to children, adolescents, and the disabled.

The courts explained, “Jung Joon Young did not submit a written agreement with the victim. We have taken into consideration the fact that though the defendant continues to deny the charges, he is able to describe the situation at the time in great detail. But he is also sincerely reflecting on his actions.”

They went on to state, “The fact that Choi Jong Hoon reached an agreement with the victim has greatly affected his sentencing. However, he continues to deny the charges and lacks sincere self-reflection.”

“Kim” had his five-year sentence reduced to four years. The sentences of “Kwon” and “Heo” have remained the same at four years in prison and eight months in prison, suspended for two years respectively.

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