The prosecution has asked that Choi Jong Bum, the ex-boyfriend of Goo Hara who has been charged with physical assault and intimidation, be sentenced to three years in prison.

On July 25, the Seoul Central District Court held the final trial for Choi Jong Bum, following the third trial earlier this month where Goo Hara gave her testimony. The prosecution explained, “The crime that arose from something minor has left the victim, a female celebrity, with scars that will never heal. The crime of threatening to expose [a sex video of] a significant other based on a grudge should be given a severe punishment, regardless of whether the victim is a celebrity or not.”

Choi Jong Bum has been charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming body parts without consent), assault causing bodily harm, intimidation (blackmail), coercion, and destruction and damage of property. Till now, he has denied all charges aside from destruction and damage of property.

The prosecution touched upon this in their closing argument as they said, “Despite the severity of his crimes, not only did the defendant never ask for forgiveness, he has shown no remorse and even claimed that he has suffered greater damages [than Goo Hara]. His crime is severe, and the fact that he caused secondary damages must be considered in the verdict.”

Choi Jong Bum’s lawyer stated, “The investigation team and media has framed the defendant as a perpetrator of ‘revenge porn.’ However, please reconsider on whether Choi Jong Bum is really such a despicable person. Goo Hara’s statements cannot be believed in their entirety.”

Goo Hara’s lawyers responded to these comments by stating, “Choi Jong Bum has shown no remorse for his actions and he continues to cause secondary damages with such unsubstantiated excuses.”

The final verdict for Choi Jong Bum will be made on August 29.

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