“Choked a participant unconscious on a livestream”... MMA fighter referred to prosecutors; could a prison sentence be imposed?

[Financial News] A mixed martial arts fighter and others who choked a non-celebrity participant unconscious during a YouTube livestream have been referred to prosecutors. With the victim suffering injuries requiring 12 weeks of treatment, legal experts say a prison sentence could still be imposed even if a settlement has been reached.
According to police, fighter A, described as a YouTuber who formerly belonged to an organized crime group, used a “guillotine choke” on a non-celebrity participant during a livestream. A left the participant unattended without taking any notable action even after the participant lost consciousness. Investigators found that the victim suffered injuries requiring 12 weeks of treatment.
Police referred A to prosecutors on suspicion of causing bodily injury. B, who was also at the filming location, was referred on suspicion of aiding and abetting bodily injury and joint coercion.
In police interviews, the two argued that no crime had been committed because they filmed according to a script they had agreed on in advance. Police rejected their claims.
Attorney Cho Gi explained that even if there was a script prepared in advance, criminal liability could arise depending on whether physical force was actually used and whether the filming was coerced.
Recently, on the YouTube channel “Daehan Jungang Law Firm TV,” Attorney Cho said, “Physical force beyond what had been agreed on was used from the outset, and when the victim hesitated and tried not to film partway through, they used force to make the victim continue filming.” He added, “Even if there was a script and the victim reached a settlement with them after the incident, this is not something that can simply be brushed aside.”
As for A’s expected sentence, Attorney Cho said a settlement with the victim could lead to a reduced sentence, but the likelihood of an actual prison term remained high. “I thought (A) could face as much as about four years in prison, but since a settlement was reached with the victim, I expect the sentence to be reduced considerably,” he said. He added, “Even so, an actual prison sentence of at least one year will be imposed.”
Attorney Cho also anticipated that B, who was present during the filming, could receive an additional prison sentence. He said the case could add about a year to B’s sentence. B is currently serving a five-month prison sentence after being sentenced for obscene acts using communications media and defamation.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter