Lee Seo Won pleads guilty to sexual harassment, says he was drunk and can't remember anything

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

Previous posts:
Lee Seo Won charged with sexually harassing & threatening female celeb, gets removed from drama
Music Bank fires Lee Seo Won; ZE:A's Kim Dongjun to replace him in drama
Police reveal Lee Seo Won threatened female celeb with a knife, Agency won't terminate his contract

At the first day of his trial on July 12, actor Lee Seo Won pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual harassment and criminal threatening made against him.

Earlier this year, Lee Seo Won was charged with sexually harassing a female celebrity and threatening her with a weapon when she rejected his advances.

On July 12, the actor attended his first trial at the Seoul Eastern District Court. Before the trial began, he addressed the press directly and remarked, “I apologize to the public for causing a scandal.”

During the trial, Lee Seo Won’s attorney stated, “Because there was DNA evidence found in this case and because the incident did, in fact, take place, there is no room for excuses or denial, and we acknowledge [the defendant’s] guilt. However, the defendant is unable to remember anything [from the incident]. The victim herself has stated, ‘[Lee Seo Won] was not in control of his body [due to intoxication].’ I do not understand how he was able to harass her and make threats in such a state.”

The court then asked the defense attorney to clarify whether Lee Seo Won was pleading guilty to the charges against him. The attorney confirmed that the actor was pleading guilty to all charges, but requesting a lenient sentence in light of his diminished mental and physical faculties at the time of the incident.

“We admit to the charges, but assert that [the defendant was suffering from] a loss of his faculties,” replied Lee Seo Won’s attorney. “What we will be contesting is the severity of his punishment.”

sources: soompi, naver

Comments

[adlyeith.livejournal.com]

Being drunk is absolutely zero excuse. Lock him up for life. I'm so tired of men's shitty behavior being excused away.

[krispy-bacon.livejournal.com]

"I do not understand how he was able to harass her and make threats in such a state"

lol fuck off

[modestgoddess79.livejournal.com]

If he defaults to violence and sexual harassment when he drinks then he should be jailed to protect the public from him.

[daynr.livejournal.com]

As a lawyer, I understand the concept of diminished capacity and intent, however, when claiming no mental ability (because it sounds like they're talking about more than lack of intent but also negligence/recklessness) it is hard to couple that with sufficient physical control to execute these acts (motor control, and erection). That suggests to me one of two things: 1. someone is lying (not the victim), or 2. there was alcohol + drugs in his system. So either nail his ass for lying or for using illegal drugs, don't lessen his sentence.

[ty.livejournal.com]

May I ask what DNA you think would be collected in this case?

[daynr.livejournal.com]

I have no idea, I wish I knew more about science! I assume it's something that would arise from an altercation. Skin under fingernails? Saliva on a part of her body? Semen? Hair she ripped out of his head? Other hair?

I'm more interested in how someone *so* incapacitated from drink was able to chase her down the street holding a knife and successful threaten her, without injuring himself, falling, losing the knife, etc. That kind of physical dexterity doesn't usually match shitfaced drunk.

[goldenrosalie.livejournal.com]

knowing drinking culture in sk... this defense may actually fly in this case.
this part tho “I apologize to the public for causing a scandal.” made me want to punch him. This is what you are going to apologize for? Causing a 'scandal'? Not... you know.... apologizing to victim?
It's not like i expected anything else but it still astonishes me how bold assaulters are huh

[mjspice.livejournal.com]

HmmmT

[kori-ya.livejournal.com]

He got drunk by himself. There is no need for a lenient sentence. When you can't control yourself when drunk, don't drink.

Also, him apologizing for causing a scandal. WTF. The victim needs to be apologized to!

[shawarmafordays.livejournal.com]

I can't look at him the same after this. He's such trash, lock him up. urgh