Prosecutors Recommend 3-Year Prison Term For Kang Ji Hwan In Sexual Assault Case

Prosecutors in the case against actor Kang Ji Hwan have recommended a three-year prison sentence for the crime of sexual assault.

On November 21, the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court heard the final trial in the case against the actor, which included charges of quasi-rape and quasi-indecent acts by force. In addition to the prison term, prosecutors recommended that Kang Ji Hwan complete a rape treatment program, register on the sex offender registry, and be barred from employment at any workplace which provides services to children or the disabled for five years.

On the other hand, Kang Ji Hwan’s defense attorney requested leniency, citing the actor’s admission of guilt and his remorse. “It’s true that since he brought this on himself, he can’t look to anyone else for blame. However, he is reflecting deeply on his actions,” his lawyer said. “He is very remorseful and apologetic to the victims.”

The lawyer went on to say, “We ask that the judge consider the witness testimonies, which state that this wasn’t a premeditated crime, before making their decision. Because of this incident, [the accused] has had his life destroyed overnight over one tragic mistake.”

Kang Ji Hwan shed tears during his defense testimony. “I wanted to star in a film that garnered over 10 million viewers. I wanted to stand on stage and express my gratitude at an awards ceremony. I wanted to raise a beautiful family and become the best father in the world,” he said. “I’ve messed everything up. I resent myself for creating this unbelievable reality. It pains me that one mistake has caused so many people to suffer, to the point where I want to give up on this life.”

He continued, “If I could go back to that day, I would never have picked up that drink. There’s no excuse for what I did, and I could never ask for forgiveness, but I apologize. I regret it so much.”

Kang Ji Hwan was apprehended by police on July 9 at his home in Gwangju on reports that he had sexually assaulted two female staff members while they slept.

The sentencing hearing for Kang Ji Hwan is currently scheduled for December 5 at 10 a.m. KST.

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