Somyi, a former member of the K-Pop girl group DIA, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making false accusations of sexual assault against her agency’s CEO.
According to a report by News 1 on March 21, Somyi, who transitioned into online streaming after leaving DIA, was found guilty and detained immediately following the verdict.
The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal 2nd Division handed down the sentence on March 21st.
False Accusation and Investigation
In January 2023, Somyi filed a police complaint accusing her agency’s CEO, identified only as “A,” of attempted sexual assault. The case was initially dismissed by the police. However, Somyi appealed the dismissal, prompting a review of surveillance footage from the CEO’s office.
The footage directly contradicted Somyi’s claims. It showed her leaving the room calmly with the CEO at the alleged time of the assault. Additionally, the footage captured Somyi entering his office and initiating a hug, further undermining her accusations.
Prosecution’s Argument and Defense
The prosecution argued that Somyi fabricated the allegations to pressure “A” into ending a relationship with his girlfriend. Somyi denied this, claiming she was under the influence of alcohol and unable to make sound judgments.
The court, however, found Somyi’s testimony to be inconsistent and lacking credibility, particularly when compared to the clear video evidence.
“The victim’s statements typically hold weight throughout investigations and court proceedings. In this case, the defendant’s statements lacked consistency and contradicted the CCTV footage, significantly reducing their believability,” the court stated.
The judge highlighted the importance of the surveillance footage and text message exchanges in exonerating the CEO. “Without this crucial evidence, the outcome could have resulted in serious criminal punishment for an innocent person,” the court explained.
“The defendant’s attempt to justify her actions by claiming intoxication or medication further aggravates the offense,” the court added. “False accusations are severe crimes that can inflict unjust punishment upon innocent parties.”
Somyi’s Current Whereabouts
Following the verdict, Somyi was immediately detained and is expected to serve her 18-month sentence. Her future career prospects and online presence remain uncertain. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with false accusations.
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