Broadcast personality Yoo Young-jae acknowledged the fact that he sexually assaulted actress Sunwoo Eunsook's older sister during the appellate trial.

The Second-Third Criminal Division of the Suwon High Court (presiding judges Park Kwang-seo, Kim Min-ki, and Kim Jong-woo) held the first appellate hearing for Yoo Young-jae on the 16th. Yoo Young-jae was indicted for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (forced sexual assault based on familial relationship).

The prosecution requested the court to impose a sentence of five years in prison, the same as the original sentence. On the other hand, Yoo Young-jae's side argued against the severity of the sentence.

Yoo Young-jae's representatives stated, "We acknowledge all the criminal facts, but we believe the sentence is harsh, which is why we filed for an appeal," emphasizing, "We are living with a sense of remorse towards the victim."

Yoo Young-jae's family submitted a petition for leniency. He expressed a plea for mercy, stating, "I will not reoffend, even to maintain the bond with my family."

In his final statements, he remarked, "I was wrong. I lacked an understanding of intimacy and sexual boundaries. I deeply apologize to the victim, who is still suffering."

Yoo Young-jae has been tried for forcibly assaulting Sunwoo Eunsook's older sister five times between March and October 2023 when she was his wife.

The court sentenced Yoo Young-jae to two years and six months in prison during the first trial held on January 23, and he was taken into custody. Additionally, he was mandated to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and was issued a five-year employment ban in child and disabled-related institutions.

Meanwhile, the appellate sentence is scheduled for June 11.

<Source: Star It Entertainment, YG Production>