Open World Entertainment's CEO is denied leniency + final sentence on August 10th
Open World Entertainment's CEO Jang Seokwoo was demanded a nine year prison sentence during the previous court date. Currently in custody, the CEO was arrested in early April on suspicion of having sexually harassed multiple trainees of his company.
The latest trial occurred on July 19th at the Seoul Central District Criminal Court, the prosecutors demanded Jang Seokwoo serve a nine-year sentence for the violation of the "Minors Sexual Protection" law.
Earlier in July, Jang had submitted a petition and an apology before appealing for leniency at the courts. Through his counsel, it was said that "society has been viewing this too strictly and harshly. Because of the blame society has placed upon my client, more than the punishment, it is my view that he will be in great pain. The defendant is very contrite and reflecting upon his actions" and "even before the trial, Mr. Jang had received many criticism from the society and required to accept the strict standards of the society. Please understand that Mr. Jang has not much choice in this situation."
Jang Seokwoo's final statement mentioned that he apologized to the victims, but that he never once used his power for anything and that no violence was involved.
"I am not lying in order to get rid of the charges. As a producer with age and experience, having done those things with young trainees, I am in deep contrition and am very sorry."
He also added that "You take a punishment/reflect on wrong-doing when you did something wrong, but I have done sexual intercourse with consent."
On this the court asked, "Have you ever thought of how the victim will think and react to this situation in their perspective? This action is against the law but why did you try to force your victim(s) to do this action?"
The appeal for leniency was dismissed by judge Yoo Sangjae who stated that if the trainees really did it willingly, there wouldn't be suspicion. A need for lenience wasn't apparent, and Jang Seokwoo's request was therefore rejected. Earlier presented agreements with the trainees and the request for bail were also dismissed.
The final sentence against Mr. Jang will be announced at trial on August 10th at 2PM. The maximum sentence of nine years was requested.
Source: Star News, Newsen, Tomato News and Sports Seoul
j_arc91 10 Points
Just lock that sucker up and let us know of X-5's whereabouts! This damn CEO's caused so much chaos
Ria 268 Points
"society has been viewing this too strictly and harshly."
HE. CANNOT. BE. FOR. REAL. He committed one of the worst crimes, abuse of power, and sexual deviancy, what the heck?!
j_arc91 10 Points
Seriously! Here in North America people are making complete jokes out of rape and the stupid 'culture' around it, I'm glad at least 1 society is condemning it seriously
mochilatos 0 Points
i hope he'll get the right amount of punishment he deserves. and i hope the artists from the agency will be able to continue their work. i miss DGNA and X-5 so much.
DongHae012 2 Points
This is bull. He is not "in deep contrition" nor is he "very sorry". If what he's done is nothing wrong then why is he being arrested in the first place. And I cannot believe the nerve of Jang's counsel. To even try to get a leniency in punishment. sheesh...
Kaner 4 Points
This is terrible.
littleturtle 15 Points
just cause you got power doesn't mean you can get away with everything.
disgusting man...
>:/