Lenient outcome · Comparison Pair · Abuse of power
Public-figure defendant: fine + suspended for stalking
Harm
Comparable stalking pattern
Sentence
8m
Court
District Court
Guideline
1y 6m – 2y 6m
Comparison thesis
Stalking Act: ordinary defendant 2y prison. Public official: suspended + fine.
Strict outcome
2y
2y prison + 5y approach-prohibition
Ordinary defendant: 2y prison for stalking conviction
Ordinary citizen · Harm: 6-month repeated stalking, 1 victim
Lenient outcome · current case
8m
8m prison, 2y suspension + ₩10M fine
Public-figure defendant: fine + suspended for stalking
Public official · Harm: Comparable stalking pattern
The 2021 Stalking Punishment Act was meant to standardize stalking sentences. Already, the data shows the same statute producing class-coded outcomes when 'voluntary withdrawal' and 'public service' read differently for different defendants.
Case summary
A public official with similar stalking conduct over comparable duration was instead given a heavy fine combined with a short suspended sentence, with the court citing 'voluntary withdrawal,' 'no prior offense,' and 'public service contributions.' The contrast under the same statute became a flashpoint in Korean media's coverage of stalking-law enforcement.
Disparity flags
Sources
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