A well-known variety show producer has been formally indicted on charges of sexually harassing a junior colleague. Following supplemental investigations by the prosecution that overturned the police’s initial findings, attention now turns to whether the producer’s longstanding denials will hold up in court.
According to the prosecution, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office filed non-detained charges against producer 'A' on February 24. The charges stem from an incident last August during a company gathering in Sangam-dong, Seoul, where 'A' allegedly engaged in unwanted physical contact, including placing an arm around a junior staff member’s shoulder and massaging their neck while moving between locations and during the journey home.
The victim’s lawyer, Lee Eun Eui, shared a lengthy reflection on social media on February 27, stating, “I was overjoyed, but then anger quickly surged,” expressing the emotional toll of the case.
The lawyer also raised concerns about secondary harm to the victim from media coverage. “A allegedly harassed the victim and was removed from the team within a week, with narratives framing the victim as problematic,” Lee wrote. “When the victim reported the incident to the company and police, 'A' denied the allegations.”
Press statements from the victim’s side requested patience as the investigation proceeded and warned against generating further secondary harm. In contrast, statements from A’s side denied the harassment and questioned the victim’s credibility. Lee added, “Absurdly, the police initially dismissed a sexual crime case despite objective evidence. We submitted an appeal, but received no response,” a situation later attributed to the resignation of the investigating officer.
Following the prosecution’s supplemental investigation, 'A' was formally indicted without detention on charges of sexual harassment. CCTV footage reportedly confirmed the victim pushing A away to avoid contact, leading the prosecution to recognize the act as forcible sexual misconduct.
Lee concluded, “Although the victim suffered deep wounds from the company and police, I sincerely thank the prosecution for ultimately making a fair decision based on objective evidence and clear legal principles.”
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