I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Prosecutor gets 2 years for sex with suspect
By Kang Hyun-kyung
The Seoul Central District Court sentenced a 31-year-old prosecutor to two years in prison for accepting sexual favors as a form of bribery from a woman he was investigated.
The court said the prosecutor, surnamed Jun, was guilty of having sex twice with the woman in a motel days after participating in “sexual activity” during questioning at the prosecutor’s office in Seoul on Nov. 10.
This is the first time that the court has convicted a prosecutor of bribery for such an offense.
Citing precedents, the court said that bribery includes any physical and non-physical gains provided to satisfy people’s needs and desires, including those unrelated to money.
It further said that the prosecutor’s actions amounted to a serious offense considering the expectations and responsibilities of his job.
The court, however, ruled the prosecutor was not guilty of an alleged abuse of power, saying there was insufficient evidence to support the charge.