K-pop star Choi Jong-hoon appeals against sentence in hidden camera sex scandal and bribery case
Having been sentenced in other crimes, it was reported that former F.T. Island member Choi Jong-hoon will be appealing against his sentence in illegal camera footage and bribery charges.
Jong-hoon submitted his appeal on April 2.
On March 27, 2020, Seoul's Central District Court gave a verdict on Jong-hoon's first trial on charges of spreading illegal footage using mobile, on top of an attempt to bribe a police officer. On March 18, during the first hearing, a 1.5-year sentence was asked by the prosecution, but the court said, "He has mostly admitted to his charges and is reflecting on his actions, and he has no previous criminal record in this area." So, the court sentenced the singer to 2 years of probation with one condition — one year of jail time should he break probation.
Jong-hoon was also ordered around 80 hours of sexual crime courses along with a 5-year restriction from working in fields that have the youth involved.
Last November, Choi Jong-hoon and singer Jung Joon-young were sentenced to five years in prison on charges of sexual assault. The case, one of several sex and abuse scandals around the K-pop world, shocked the confused fans. Jong-hoon has appealed the sentence, and his appeal trial is currently ongoing.
Jong-hoon, a former South Korean musician and actor, played guitar and keyboard for rock band F.T. Island that made its debut in 2007. He retired from the industry on March 14, 2019, due to the above charges that were allegations at the time.
In March 2019, Jong-hoon was said to be part of an online platform that shared sexually explicit videos of women filmed without their knowledge or consent, together with celebrities Lee Jong Hyun and Jung Joon-young. On November 29, 2019, he was found guilty and was sentenced to the above mentioned five years in prison.
Besides music, Jonghun also made cameos and guest appearances on television series starting in 2008. He acted in 'Style Wave' in 2009 and 2010 and appeared as lead character Park Shi-hyun in the web drama 'Prince's Prince' (2015).
