On February 8th, former B.A.P member Himchan filed an appeal against the initial verdict on charges of rape and sexual assault violations through his legal team. This move follows a contentious legal battle post-conviction, with the prosecution also appealing on February 7th, citing the verdict as unjust.
The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 10 is set to oversee the first appellate trial starting April 25th, taking over from the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Agreement Division 12. Initially, Himchan received a three-year prison sentence with a five-year probation, sparking controversy over considerations of his celebrity status and the perceived coercion level in the crimes.
Himchan appeals against the first-instance verdict amidst sexual crime charges.
Himchan faces accusations of sexual offences dating back to 2018, including sexual harassment and subsequent charges of rape, illegal filming, and sexual assault involving multiple victims in 2022 and 2023. The prosecution emphasizes the seriousness of these crimes, highlighting the exploitation of fans’ emotions and additional offences during his trial.
Despite submitting letters of apology and appealing for leniency, the prosecution remains firm in seeking a more severe sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Himchan’s actions and justice for the victims. The ongoing legal proceedings have intensified public scrutiny over Himchan’s appeal and the broader discourse on accountability for individuals convicted of sexual crimes.
