Translator Hwang Seok-hee, 47, who has faced controversy over past sex-crime convictions, had a court reject his claim that he was mentally incapacitated due to extreme intoxication during his trial, according to a broadcast report.
Attorney Park Eun-seok said on YTN’s “Case X-File” on April 13 that the charge of indecent assault causing injury carries a heavy statutory penalty under the Criminal Act, punishable by life imprisonment or at least five years in prison.
Park said prison sentences are often imposed because the offense involves not only indecent assault but also injury to the victim. He added that the court’s decision to grant a suspended sentence likely reflected settlements with the victims, and that Hwang’s lack of prior criminal record at the time may also have been a factor.
Park said, however, that the court did not accept Hwang’s argument that he was mentally incapacitated because he was heavily intoxicated.
Hwang was thrust into controversy after Dispatch reported on March 30 that he had been indicted and convicted in cases from 2005 and 2014 on charges including indecent assault causing injury and quasi-rape.
In 2014, he was also indicted on charges including quasi-rape involving a student. In both cases, he received suspended prison sentences.
On March 30, Hwang wrote on social media that he was reviewing the matter with his lawyer and would consider seeking corrections and taking action if any parts were inaccurate or went beyond the scope of legal judgment.
Hwang is known for translating major works including “Deadpool,” “Spider-Man,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Project Hail Mary,” and has also published essays and given lectures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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