On November 28, the appeals trial for former idol rapper A, who was charged with illegally filming intimate moments with his girlfriend, is set to continue. The Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 4 will hold the second hearing today.
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Background on the Case
A was accused of filming 18 videos of intimate moments with his former girlfriend, B, between July 2022 and May 2023. These videos included private and sensitive parts of her body. A reportedly committed these acts by blindfolding B and using a silent camera app to secretly record the footage.
The allegations don’t stop there. In July 2022, A allegedly filmed another woman, C, in her undergarments on four occasions at a bar in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The investigation has revealed a total of three known victims thus far.
A was forwarded to the police by Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station in September 2022. The Seoul Western Prosecutor’s Office later indicted him. During the initial trial, which took place in June 2023, the prosecution requested a three-year prison sentence for A, citing violations of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (illegal filming and distribution). Following his conviction in the first trial, A filed an appeal.
Defense Pleads for Leniency
In the initial hearings, A’s legal team requested leniency, emphasizing that he had no intention of distributing the videos. They argued that he was a first-time offender and pointed out the emotional toll the case has taken on his parents.
In a letter of apology submitted to the court, A expressed deep remorse for his actions, saying:
“I sincerely apologize without any excuses for my wrongful behavior. Witnessing the pain my parents are going through, I swear never to repeat such actions. I am truly sorry to the victims.”
A’s Past and Career
A debuted as part of a five-member idol group in 2017. However, he stepped away from the spotlight in 2019, citing health issues.
The outcome of today’s trial could significantly impact his future. The court’s decision will reflect whether A’s remorse and claims of rehabilitation outweigh the severity of his actions and their impact on the victims.
