Former Idol Choi Sentenced to 1.5 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes, Arrested in Court

Former idol group member Choi has been sentenced to prison for sex crimes and was arrested in court.

On August 30, Judge Hong Da-sun of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Choi to one and a half years in prison for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence (specifically, illegal filming using cameras). Choi was arrested in court immediately following the sentencing. The court also mandated that Choi complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and imposed a three-year restriction on employment in institutions involving children, adolescents, or individuals with disabilities.

The court highlighted that the illegal photographing of the victim's naked body causes extreme sexual shame and can result in irreversible damage if the images are disseminated. Additionally, the fact that Choi deposited money for two victims, who declined the offer and instead petitioned for severe punishment, contributed to the court's decision.

Choi faced charges for placing an eye patch on Victim A, who was involved in a relationship with him between July 2022 and May of the previous year, and for repeatedly filming body parts and sexual acts using a silent camera application. Choi is known to have had a total of three victims.

Choi appealed for leniency, expressing remorse by stating, "I felt with my whole body that I did something pathetic and should not have done." Despite this, the prosecution had sought a three-year prison term.

Choi debuted as a member of an idol group in 2017 but ceased his activities in 2019 due to health reasons.