Prosecutors seek 7-year prison term for taxi driver accused of raping YouTuber Gwak Hyeolsu

Prosecutors have sought a seven-year prison sentence for a taxi driver charged with raping YouTuber Gwak Hyeolsu, whose real name is Jeong Hyeon-su.

The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 11, presided over by Judge Yun Ung-gi, held the final hearing Friday in the case against the taxi driver, identified only by his surname Jeong, on charges of quasi-rape causing bodily harm.

Prosecutors called for a seven-year prison term and requested that Jeong be ordered to complete a sexual violence treatment program, have his personal information disclosed and reported for 10 years, and wear an electronic ankle monitor for 10 years.

Jeong was indicted on charges of picking up an intoxicated Gwak near Hongik University Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, in the early morning hours of May 22, 2024, moving to the back seat and sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious and unable to resist. He also has prior convictions for assaulting and raping a woman he encountered on the street.

Gwak, who has 210,000 YouTube subscribers, disclosed the assault on her channel, saying she had suffered severe panic attacks, seizures, hyperventilation, depression and difficulty concentrating since the incident, and that she had attempted self-harm.

Jeong denied the charges throughout the proceedings, maintaining he did not commit sexual assault. He claimed Gwak, while heavily intoxicated, had refused to leave the taxi and asked him to come to the back seat, threatening to urinate if he did not comply, and that he had only tried to dissuade her and straighten her clothing. He also said her memory could have been distorted due to her level of intoxication and that her statements had been inconsistent. He further argued that medical records and forensic findings did not support her account of the assault.

After the hearing concluded Friday, Gwak announced the seven-year sentencing demand in a YouTube livestream and cheered. "His lawyer says there is no chance of a reduced sentence," she said. "He kept lying, kept blaming me — the victim — and showed absolutely no remorse or apology for his crimes. He can't expect any sympathy from the judge." She added, "Honestly, seven years is still too short."

Gwak also said she was preparing legal action against so-called "cyber wrecker" YouTubers who had subjected her to secondary harm, vowing to "teach them a proper lesson."

Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 10.

서인영-조민아, 불화에 결혼식 초대도 안했는데…화해하고 쥬얼리로 다시 뭉쳤다

https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10770923