Controversy Over Judge’s Remarks in Busan Roundhouse Kick Case: “The Victim Is Engaging in Media Play”

[Financial News] The presiding judge in the appeal trial of the Busan Roundhouse Kick Case has sparked controversy by saying, "This case somehow feels like it is becoming politicized" and "The victim is also engaging in media play."
According to legal sources on the 10th, Criminal Division 2 of the Busan High Court, presided over by Judge Park Un-sam, held an appeal hearing on the 9th for Lee, who was indicted on charges including retaliatory threats under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes. The court questioned YouTuber A as a witness; A had been incarcerated with Lee.
The court had initially closed arguments in July and scheduled sentencing for the 12th of last month. However, the proceedings were extended after Lee’s side requested that arguments be reopened and witnesses be questioned.
At the hearing, YouTuber A testified that during the period of incarceration with Lee, Lee repeatedly made retaliatory remarks, including that he knew the victim’s address and would visit the victim after being released. A also testified to the effect that "I felt there was some degree of intent in Lee’s words to frighten the victim and prevent her from giving media interviews or speaking publicly."
During the questioning, the presiding judge asked, to the effect, "Those claims are not something that would frighten the victim, are they?" The victim’s attorney objected, saying, "It is problematic to say that the victim would not be hurt simply because the perpetrator engages in media play."
The presiding judge then explained the intent behind the remark, saying, "The victim also engaged in considerable media play during the trial process, didn’t she?" The attorney objected again, stating, "It is inappropriate to describe the victim’s disclosures to the media as media play."
The presiding judge then said, "This case somehow feels like it is becoming politicized. The court will only determine what the facts are and apply the law," bringing the exchange to an end. The court decided to hold one more hearing at 3 p.m. on October 7 before setting a sentencing date. The defendant was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the first trial.
Regarding the matter, the victim, Kim Jin-joo (a pseudonym), wrote on social media, "When I went to court for the first time, it felt as though I had been beaten up. I was dazed and dizzy, as if I had been in an accident," saying that it was difficult to believe the presiding judge’s remarks. She added, "When even the presiding judge calls it media play, I feel as though everything I did was wrong," and expressed her frustration, asking, "If this continues, who will come forward for victims, and who will report anything?"
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter