Ex-speaker faces fine for sex abuse

By Na Jeong-ju

Park Hee-tae

The prosecution has demanded a 3 million won ($2,750) fine for former National Assembly speaker Park Hee-tae, who is charged with groping a female caddie while playing a round of golf last year.

During a court hearing Monday, Park admitted to the charges and asked for “leniency,” prosecutors said.

The victim, 24, whose name was not disclosed, filed a complaint with the police in September, claiming that Park touched her breast inappropriately. Following the allegations, Park told a local daily that he touched her to show his “affection” because she was like his granddaughter, which triggered strong public criticism.

Later, the victim dropped the suit after reaching a compromise with Park. However, the prosecution put him on trial separately.