Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
Back in July, actor Kang Ji Hwan admitted to sexual assault against two women, and threatening texts he sent to the two victims were also later revealed. Considering those factors, it seems like he would at least get jail time for his crimes, right? Nope. Probation.
On December 5 at the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court, the sentencing hearing took place for Kang Ji Hwan who was accused of charges of quasi-rape and quasi-indecent acts by force. The court sentenced Kang Ji Hwan to a prison sentence of two years and six months suspended for three years of probation. This means that if he commits an offense during the three-year probation period, he will serve out his prison sentence of two years and six months. Furthermore, the court ordered Kang Ji Hwan to serve 120 hours of community service, to partake in 40 hours of rape treatment program, and to be barred from employment at any workplace which provides services to children or the disabled for three years.
Essentially, the typical plea to judges that men who commit crimes use worked. He already exhausted his “I was drunk” excuse back when he was still lying about it, so he turned to his “think about the hypothetical family I want to start” one instead.
During the final trial, the prosecutors suggested a three-year prison sentence along with recommendations that he complete a rape treatment program, register on the sex offender registry, and be barred from certain employment for five years. Meanwhile, his defense attorney requested leniency, citing the actor’s admission of guilt and his remorse.
Kang Ji Hwan also shed tears during his closing argument, stating, “I wanted to raise a beautiful family and become the best father in the world before it was too late.” He said, “I’m resentful of myself for doing such a thing, especially to someone I know. I resent myself as I have no excuses, and I can’t forgive myself. I’m sorry. I’m also regretful.”
Hard to blame him for using it if judges are going to buy into it over and over, essentially ruling that his future matters more than justice for victims even when the guy admits to the crimes he’s accused of.
Obviously one shouldn’t expect anything by now, but when the guy cops to serious sexual violence offenses, you’d think he can’t cry and remorse his way out of prison … and yet.
