Ex-prosecutor in S. Korea admits public lewdness

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The former chief prosecutor on a South Korean island admits to performing lewd acts on city streets and feels extremely shameful for his behavior, his lawyer said Friday.

Kim Soo-chang resigned earlier this week as chief prosecutor on southern Jeju Island but had denied the charge.

His admission came after police announced earlier Friday their investigation confirmed Kim was the man seen on security cameras performing lewd acts on Jeju streets on the night of Aug. 12. Police wouldn’t elaborate, but South Korean media including Yonhap news agency reported Kim was masturbating.

Police said a female high school student saw Kim and had a relative report to the police. Kim was subsequently detained on early Aug. 13. He initially falsely identified himself by providing the name of his brother but was later released after identifying himself, according to police.

Police said in a statement they will demand prosecutors indict Kim. By law, Kim would face up to one year in prison if convicted.

The police statement said the investigation results are based on an analysis of security cameras, testimonies by police officers who caught Kim on the night and other information.

Lawyer Moon Seoung-youn told a televised briefing that Kim would accept the police investigation results and apologized for shocking and disappointing people.

Moon said Kim feels an “extreme sense of shame” and plans to take medical treatment for what may have caused his lewd acts.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up