Man who sexually assaulted Kpop star when she was in school found guilty 18 years later

Former Kpop group AOA's Kwon Mina has revealed that her sexual perpetrator from 18 years ago has been found guilty of rape.

In an Instagram post on May 19, Kwon revealed the outcome of the case after a long four-year journey.

Kwon first took to social media in 2021 to reveal that she had been sexually assaulted in her first year of middle school by an upperclassman, reported Chosun Biz.

She described the experience as the biggest trauma of her life.

Lengthy trial process

Kwon reflected that when she first started preparing for the trial four years ago, she had held high expectations that her perpetrator would receive punishment.

Her perpetrator was found guilty of the rape charge, but the assault charge was not recognised.

Because of this, additional punishment premised on the injury charge could not proceed due to the statute of limitations.

While she expressed regret, she said that even a single charge being recognised was of great significance to her as a victim.

"In any case, since it has been revealed that he is a bad person, I think I can be fully satisfied with the current result," she wrote.

Encouraged other victims to step forward

Kwon also shared that she was unable to speak out about her experience when she was younger because of the social climate at the time.

Now that things are different, she encouraged other victims not to blame themselves or hide, but rather summon their courage and speak out, because there is nothing to be ashamed of.

She also expressed gratitude to the police officers and prosecutors who worked on her case, as well as those who spoke as witnesses on her behalf.

Kwon shared that she is preparing for another difficult court case ahead and is also focusing on recovery.

"Even if I end up disappointed with the result or left with permanent scars, I hope that by then I will be more mature and stronger than I am now," she wrote.