South Korea High Court Slashes Rapist’s Sentence, Public Outrage Erupts

UPDATE: South Korea is in uproar as the Seoul High Court has dramatically reduced the prison sentence of Kim, a 30-year-old male streamer convicted of raping an unconscious woman during a live broadcast. The court’s decision, announced earlier today, has ignited outrage across the nation, questioning the integrity of the judicial system.

In May 2025, Kim was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman who was reportedly intoxicated and drugged. This heinous act was livestreamed to his 200 viewers, none of whom reported the crime. However, the appellate court ruled that Kim’s sentence would be slashed to just five years, claiming that he did not gain direct financial benefits from the livestream.

The judges, Park Young Joo, Park Jae Woo, and Jung Moon Kyung, faced immediate backlash for their reasoning, stating that “even if the livestream generated revenue, that income did not go directly to the defendant.” This rationale has left many questioning the judges’ judgment and the overall treatment of sexual assault cases in South Korea.

Korean netizens are expressing their disbelief and anger online. Comments flooded social media platforms with sentiments like, “The judges were part of the 200 viewers, huh?” and “This is insane!” Many are demanding accountability, stating, “There’s no other way to make this right except putting the judges in the victim’s shoes.”

Critics argue that reducing sentences based on a victim’s reluctance to seek punishment perpetuates a cycle of fear and victimization. One user remarked, “So many victims say that because they’re scared of what happens after the offender is released.” The public’s frustration is palpable, as similar cases have recently drawn attention, including the controversial ruling involving former NCT member Taeil for aggravated rape.

This latest verdict has sparked discussions about the broader implications for women’s rights and victim protection in South Korea. As the nation grapples with rising anger over sexual violence and a perceived lack of justice, many are calling for reforms to ensure that victims are prioritized in judicial proceedings.

Authorities have yet to respond to the public outcry, but the call for change is growing louder. Citizens are now mobilizing, demanding that the court system reevaluate its stance on sexual crimes and prioritize justice for victims.

As this story develops, it is crucial to stay informed about potential protests and further reactions from officials. The implications of this ruling could resonate far beyond the courtroom, impacting how future cases of sexual violence are handled in the country.

This urgent update underscores the pressing need for change in South Korea’s legal system, as public outrage continues to mount.