“There was no physical contact”: Former Seoul Women's University professor categorically denies indecent assault allegations

[Financial News] A former Seoul Women's University professor on trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a student categorically denied the charges at the first hearing.
According to legal sources on the 16th, the Seoul Northern District Court's Criminal Division 3 (single-judge panel), presided over by Judge Lee Seong-gyun, held the first hearing that day for Choi, 60, a former professor in the Department of German Language and Literature at Seoul Women's University, who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes.
According to the prosecution, Choi was accused of committing indecent acts by exploiting a position of authority on two occasions. At a dinner gathering in December 2022, Choi allegedly engaged in inappropriate physical contact with victim A, who was taking Choi's course, by putting an arm around A's shoulder or holding A's hand. Then, in March the following year, in front of the stairs at a bar in Seoul, Choi allegedly put a left hand around A's waist, pulled A close, and whispered to A.
The prosecution believes Choi committed the offenses by taking advantage of a situation in which A would have difficulty refusing because of Choi's position and authority as a professor.
Choi's side acknowledged that there had been a dinner gathering but maintained that there was no physical contact of the kind alleged to constitute indecent assault. Choi's lawyer said, “It is true that there was a dinner gathering, but there was no indecent assault involving touching the complainant's shoulder or holding the complainant's hand. Nor was there any instance of approaching the complainant, putting an arm around the complainant's waist, drawing the complainant close, and whispering to the complainant.”
The lawyer said the defense did not agree to the admission as evidence of some of A's statements and other investigative materials, including witness interview records. If the defense does not agree to evidence, the person who made the statement may be called to testify and questioned in court to determine whether the statement is admissible.
The police investigation began after A filed a complaint, but in July last year the police decided not to refer the case to prosecutors. The case was then sent to the prosecution following an objection by A's side. After a reinvestigation conducted on prosecutors' instructions to carry out a supplementary investigation, Choi was indicted without detention on June 25.
Choi received a three-month pay cut in 2023, when reports of sexual harassment and indecent assault on campus were filed, and resigned the following year. Choi also filed a defamation complaint against three students who wrote posters publicly accusing Choi, but the police concluded that the students had committed no offense.
The court plans to hear witness testimony on the afternoon of November 25.
[email protected] Seo Ji-yoon Reporter