The first official trial for Jung Joon Young, Choi Jong Hoon, former Burning Sun employee Mr. Kim, Mr. Heo, and Mr. Kwon took place on July 16 at 2:10 p.m. KST at the Seoul Central District Court.

Jung Joon Young was first charged with violating the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Crimes (filming and spreading illegally taken footage), which he admitted to. Jung Joon Young, Choi Jong Hoon, and other members of their chatroom were charged with aggravated rape, and the official trial for these charges began on July 16.

Mr. Kim stated, “I apologize to the victims, and I am reflecting on myself. [However,] there are incorrect parts [to the charges]. I would like to clear what I’ve been falsely charged with at court.” Jung Joon Young added that he felt the same way.

Jung Joon Young’s lawyer argued, “We admit to the charges related to illegal filming. However, he has not perpetrated quasi-rape or planned to do so with the other defendants. The sexual activity that took place was consensual, and the victim was neither unconscious nor unable to resist. The KakaoTalk conversation is not valid evidence as it was obtained illegally.”

Choi Jong Hoon’s lawyer stated, “Regarding the charges on Choi Jong Hoon as an individual, he did meet the victim in the veranda, but he did not forcefully hug or kiss her. As for the charges on the group, the defendants did not plot anything together, and the victim was not in a state of being unable to resist. Based on [Choi Jong Hoon’s] memory, there was no sexual intercourse. There is a slight difference from Jung Joon Young’s testimony. Even if there was sexual activity, it did not happen while the victim was unable to resist.”

Choi Jong Hoon said, “I apologize for raising a scandal. However, I did not forcefully rape or have inappropriate sexual activity with [the victim]. [I] also never planned [anything of the sort].”

A second trial is set to be held privately on August 19. The victims will be in attendance to be interrogated as witnesses.

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