Goo Hara's Ex-Boyfriend Choi Jong Bum Denies Most Charges At First Trial

Choi Jong Bum denied most of the charges made against him by Goo Hara at his first trial.

On April 18, Chief Judge Oh Duk Shik of the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial for Choi Jong Bum, who was charged for violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming body parts without consent), assault causing bodily harm, intimidation (blackmail), coercion, and destruction and damage of property.

Previously, Choi Jong Bum and Goo Hara were involved in a physical altercation, where he bruised her arms and legs. It was also revealed that he had taken photos of her back and legs without her knowing and had forced Goo Hara to make her agency CEO kneel in front of him. He was indicted without detention.

According to Yonhap News, Choi Jong Bum’s side disagreed to the prosecutors’ use of testimonies from Goo Hara, Goo Hara’s roommate, and Goo Hara’s agency CEO.

At the trial, Choi Jong Bum’s lawyer stated, “The photos were not taken against the victim’s wishes, and they are not photos that would induce sexual desire or humiliation. The bodily harm is also a result of trying to subdue the victim. The sex video was never used as a pretext or as a way to notify ill intent. It is not true that he forced Goo Hara to make her agency CEO kneel because of the video.”

Regarding the charges of destruction and damage of property, his lawyer stated, “He acknowledges everything and is reflecting on it.”

According to the prosecution, Goo Hara, Goo Hara’s roommate, and her agency CEO will be questioned as witnesses at a later date.

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