Alphabiz - Court to Deliver Verdict in Sexual Assault Case Involving Next Kitchen CEO

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] A South Korean court is set to deliver its first-instance verdict on April 7 in a sexual assault case involving a senior executive of an e-commerce affiliate.

According to legal sources, the Seoul Eastern District Court will hold the sentencing hearing for a 49-year-old CEO of Next Kitchen, an affiliate of Kurly, who has been charged with forcible molestation.

Prosecutors previously requested a sentence of one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with orders to complete a sexual violence treatment program, disclose personal information, and face a three-year employment restriction in related fields.

The defendant is accused of repeatedly molesting a probationary employee at a restaurant in Seoul in June last year.

During the final hearing, he admitted to all charges and expressed remorse, apologizing to the victim and stating efforts were made to prevent further harm. He also noted that the victim had been offered a full-time position.

Following the incident, the CEO was suspended from his position at Next Kitchen and removed from all duties.

Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)