Kwon Mina Finds Closure as Court Recognizes 18-Year-Old Rape Charge; Statute of Limitations Prevents Punishment
Former AOA member Kwon Mina announced Monday that a recent appeals court ruling in her long-standing sexual assault case has brought her a significant sense of closure, 18 years after the traumatic incident occurred when she was just 14.
Through a poignant social media post, Kwon revealed the appeals court formally recognized the rape allegation against her perpetrator. She described the outcome as profoundly meaningful, despite legal constraints preventing punishment due to the expired statute of limitations.
The singer further explained that while the court acknowledged the rape charge, it did not accept the charge of rape resulting in bodily injury. This latter charge carries a longer statute of limitations, which, had it been acknowledged, would have made the crime legally punishable, she noted.
Reflecting on the arduous four-year legal battle, Kwon wrote, “When the prosecution sought a 10-year prison sentence (for the defendant), I became excited once again because it really felt as though the perpetrator would receive a prison term.”
She continued, “But the fact that even one charge was recognized carries enormous meaning. … The fact that the person was a bad person was revealed, so I think I can be satisfied with the current result.”
In her recent Instagram update, Kwon also passionately encouraged other victims of sexual violence to come forward, highlighting the significant positive shifts in social attitudes.
Kwon shared her own past experience, stating, “At the time, because of the social atmosphere, I had no choice but to stay quiet and hide it. … I want to tell many victims not to blame themselves or hide, because it is not something shameful, and to courageously raise their voices.”
Additionally, Kwon disclosed that she is actively preparing legal action concerning a separate, deeply traumatic incident.
During a 2023 appearance on the YouTube channel “Jeomjeom TV,” Kwon recounted suffering physical and sexual assault for several hours after attending a gathering with a friend, describing the incident as “the greatest trauma” of her life.
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