Prosecutors seek 3-year prison sentence for man accused of groping multiple women
Published: 30 Apr. 2026, 09:24
Updated: 30 Apr. 2026, 10:16
![A man accused of groping multiple women at a shopping complex in Gwanggyo, Gyeonggi, is caught on camera at a cafe in January. [JOONGANG ILBO]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2026/04/30/6ec8b9d6-e1f3-4931-95de-64271a2649bc.jpg)
A man accused of groping multiple women at a shopping complex in Gwanggyo, Gyeonggi, is caught on camera at a cafe in January. [JOONGANG ILBO]
A man accused of groping multiple women at a shopping complex in Gwanggyo, Gyeonggi, is facing a three-year prison sentence, prosecutors said Wednesday.
During the final hearing held at the Suwon District Court, prosecutors requested that the court impose a prison sentence, arguing that the “method of the crimes indicates a high risk of reoffending.”
The defendant allegedly grabbed the hands and touched the shoulders of eight women, all of whom had no relation, at stores in Gwanggyo around 6 p.m. on Jan. 16. He is also said to have repeatedly approached women seated in cafes from behind before suddenly embracing them.
The day before the January incidents, he had been investigated by police after being reported for groping four other women at the same location. He was charged without detention and proceeded to commit the same offense the very next day, at which point he was arrested on the spot.
At Wednesday's hearing, the defendant's lawyer asked for leniency in closing arguments, saying the court should "give him the chance to live again as a member of society through probation rather than isolating him."
"I deeply reflect on my actions," the defendant said in his final statement. "I am sorry for the harm I caused to the victims."
Sentencing is scheduled for 1:50 p.m. on May 13.
BY HYEON YE-SEUL [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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