Yoo Young-jae's Sentence Confirmed: 2 Years 6 Months in Prison for Molestation of Ex-Wife's Sister

Broadcaster Yoo Young-jae has had his prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months confirmed for the charge of molesting his ex-wife's sister.

The Supreme Court's Third Division announced on the 25th that it had dismissed Yoo's appeal, finalizing the original ruling.

Yoo was accused of committing acts of indecent assault on five occasions since 2023 against Ms. A, the elder sister of his former wife, actress Sunwoo Eun-sook. Despite denying the charges during police and prosecution investigations, as well as in the first trial, the court sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months in prison and ordered his immediate detainment.

He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sex offender treatment program and face a 5-year employment restriction at institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled. Yoo appealed the ruling, but the appellate court upheld the first trial's decision, reaffirming the 2 years and 6 months sentence.

The appellate court stated, "The defendant's offense is severe, and the victim has expressed significant shock and distress. The defendant has not been forgiven." The court further noted the victim likely endured immense pressure and sexual humiliation to avoid disrupting her sibling's marital life.

Separately, Sunwoo Eun-sook filed a lawsuit to nullify her marriage to Yoo, but the court dismissed the case last month, citing that the couple had already divorced, rendering further proceedings unnecessary.

Yoo Young-jae initially gained public attention through his broadcasting career, particularly following his marriage and subsequent divorce from actress Sunwoo Eun-sook. He later acknowledged his actions in his final statement, expressing remorse and apologizing to the victim. However, the legal proceedings have concluded with a confirmed prison sentence.

This legal battle has cast a dark shadow over Yoo's public image. His career, built on his vocal talents and media presence, now faces an uncertain future. The court's final decision underscores the gravity of the charges and the impact on the victim. His broadcasting activities are likely to be significantly impacted by this verdict.

Yoo Young-jae was widely known for his work as a radio DJ, including 'Yoo Young-jae's Radio Show,' and his marriage to actress Sunwoo Eun-sook in 2022 attracted considerable media attention. The couple's divorce, announced after just 18 months of marriage in December 2023, further fueled public interest. This conviction marks a significant turning point in his career and public perception.