Seoul Court Slashes Sentence of Livestreamed-Rape Convict, Outrage Erupts

UPDATE: The Seoul High Court has ignited widespread outrage after reducing the sentence of Kim, a 30-year-old male streamer convicted of raping an unconscious woman during a livestream in May 2025. The original sentence of eight years has been slashed to just five years, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability.

Kim was convicted for sexually assaulting a woman who was reportedly intoxicated and drugged, broadcasting the horrific act to his 200 viewers, none of whom reported the incident. The court’s decision has shocked the nation, with many questioning the integrity of the judicial process.

The three judges presiding over the case, Park Young Joo, Park Jae Woo, and Jung Moon Kyung, justified the reduced sentence by claiming that while the livestream generated revenue, Kim did not receive any direct financial benefit from it. They also cited a statement from one victim who expressed she did not wish for Kim to be punished, which played a role in the decision.

“Even if the livestream generated revenue, that income did not go directly to the defendant,” the court noted, causing further outrage among the public.

The ruling has been met with immediate backlash on social media, with many netizens expressing their disbelief and anger. Comments such as, “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 crimes.

Critics argue that leniency shown by the judges undermines the severity of sexual offenses and sends a troubling message about victimization. “How can we expect justice when judges reduce sentences based on such reasoning?” one user lamented, highlighting the need for a systemic change in how sexual crimes are prosecuted in South Korea.

This case isn’t isolated. Recent similar rulings, including a controversial decision involving former NCT member Taeil for aggravated rape, have further fueled public anger regarding the treatment of sexual offenders in the country.

Korean society is grappling with significant issues surrounding sexual violence, as recent statistics reveal alarming rates of sexual crimes. The latest developments in Kim’s case reveal a judicial landscape that many believe is regressive and out of touch with the needs of victims.

As protests and discussions intensify, activists are urging for reforms that prioritize victim rights and ensure that offenders face appropriate consequences for their actions. The public is now left to wonder: what will it take for the judicial system to reflect the values of justice and protection for victims?

As this story develops, many are watching closely to see how the government and legal system will respond to the mounting pressure from outraged citizens. The discourse around sexual violence and judicial accountability is expected to escalate in the coming days.