Stepfather Who Sexually Assaulted Stepdaughter for 13 Years... Court Orders 300 Million Won in Damages

[Financial News] A daughter who was sexually assaulted by her stepfather for 13 years will receive 300 million won in damages through legal aid. It is evaluated as a high amount recognized for compensation for sexual violence victims.
On the 27th, according to the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 34 (Presiding Judge Kim Chang-mo) ruled on the 2nd that the perpetrator, stepfather B, should pay 300 million won in damages to the victim A in a lawsuit filed by A against B.
A, who grew up without emotional support from her emotionally unstable mother, became psychologically dependent on stepfather B through the 'grooming' method, where he approached her by listening well. B committed a total of 2,092 acts of quasi-rape, forced molestation, and similar sexual acts over 13 years, starting from when A was 12 years old until she became an adult. A's mother, who learned of this fact belatedly, was shocked and ended her own life.
A filed a criminal complaint, and B was sentenced to 23 years in prison by the Supreme Court.
A also filed an additional civil lawsuit for damages. A's side argued, "B's repeated and cruel acts severely violated A's physical and sexual self-determination rights, causing irreparable mental suffering to A and her mother," emphasizing the need for high compensation.
The court accepted A's argument, stating, "As the stepfather, the defendant had a responsibility to protect the plaintiff so that she could grow up healthy both physically and mentally, but he continuously committed anti-humanitarian crimes such as intercourse, molestation, and sexual abuse against the plaintiff, who was only 12 years old, making the degree of illegality very high." This ruling was finalized on the 17th as B did not appeal.
The key issue in this case was the amount of compensation. According to the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, compensation for sexual violence victims is often recognized as below 100 million won, following the usual practice of 100 million won for traffic accident death victims.
Shin Ji-sik, a lawyer from the Korea Legal Aid Corporation representing A, said, "Compensation is determined at the court's discretion, considering the specifics of the case, and more flexible judgment is needed for serious illegal acts like sexual violence," adding, "Our courts also need to recognize high compensation from the perspective of substantial rights protection, prevention, and sanctioning of victims."



scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter