South Korea Court Cuts Rapist’s Sentence, Public Outrage Erupts

UPDATE: The Seoul High Court has faced intense backlash after reducing the sentence of 30-year-old streamer Kim, convicted of raping an unconscious woman, from eight years to just five years. This shocking decision, made public earlier today, has sparked outrage among the Korean public and social media users.

In May 2025, Kim was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman who was reportedly intoxicated and drugged while live-streaming the assault to his 200 viewers. Despite the heinous nature of the crime, the appellate court ruled that Kim did not gain direct financial benefit from the broadcast, an argument that has left many feeling appalled.

The court’s three presiding judges, Park Young Joo, Park Jae Woo, and Jung Moon Kyung, stated, “Even if the livestream generated revenue, that income did not go directly to the defendant.” They also took into account that one of the victims did not wish for Kim to be punished, further fueling public anger.

Netizens have taken to social media in droves, expressing their disbelief and frustration. Comments like “The judges were part of the 200 viewers, huh?” and “This is insane,” reflect a growing sentiment that the judicial system is failing victims of sexual violence. Many are calling for accountability, questioning how judges could possibly justify such a lenient sentence.

One commenter poignantly remarked, “There’s no other way to make this right except putting the judges in the victim’s shoes.” Another lamented the trend of reducing sentences based on victim statements, saying, “Please stop reducing sentences because of apology letters or because a victim says they don’t want punishment.”

The public outcry is part of a broader discussion about the treatment of sexual assault cases in South Korea. Recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in such incidents, and many citizens are demanding reform in the legal system to ensure that victims’ voices are prioritized.

The fallout from this case follows similar controversies, including the recent ruling involving former NCT member Taeil, which also ignited public outrage. As news of Kim’s reduced sentence spreads, the conversation around sexual violence and judicial accountability in South Korea continues to heat up.

What’s Next: As protests loom and social media campaigns gain momentum, the implications of this ruling may extend beyond just the courtroom. Activists are calling for changes to the laws governing sexual assault cases, hoping to prevent future occurrences of such leniency.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. The conversation surrounding victims’ rights and judicial accountability in South Korea is far from over, and many are ready to take action.