Prosecution seeks three-year prison term for defendant, who denies criminal intent
South Korean prosecutors on Thursday requested a three-year sentence for a man in his 40s who has been accused of harassing and assaulting a younger employee, who eventually died by suicide.
The prosecution said that the defendant used his superior position in the office to inflict substantial psychological damage upon the 25-year-old victim surnamed Bang.
"The defendant initially told investigators that there had been no physical contact, and later told court that there was contact, but it was unintentional. He keeps changing his words and making incomprehensible excuses," prosecutors told the Suwon District Court in Gyeonggi Province.
Despite the deceased leaving notes about being harassed on KakaoTalk, the defendant claimed that the evidence may have been falsified by the victim. He maintained that he never meant to harass the victim, saying his actions were jokes to make her feel more comfortable.
The purported abuse began after the victim joined the Gyeonggi Province-based company in May 2025 as an engineer. The defendant is believed to have inflicted physical and verbal abuse against Bang, including curse words.
Bang also left a photo of her face showing bruises on her nose, which she said was from the defendant's abuse.
The victim reported the case to labor authorities, but the officials only recognized part of her claims and did not force the company to separate her and the defendant. She also filed a criminal complaint with police, but investigators did not question the defendant until two months after her death, according to local reports.
The victim died in December 2024.
Police eventually closed the case, citing lack of evidence. But the bereaved family issued a complaint and the prosecution indicted the defendant after a supplementary investigation.
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* If you’re thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s helpline at 109, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.
minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com
