Suspended Prison Sentence for ‘I Am SOLO’ Participant
A male participant from the hit South Korean dating reality series ‘I Am SOLO’ has been handed a suspended prison sentence following a conviction for sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s.
On June 19, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced the man, identified only by his surname Park, to 1 year and 6 months in prison, suspended for 3 years. The court also ordered Park to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment and banned him from working in facilities related to children, youth, or individuals with disabilities for the next 5 years.
Incident Occurred After Late-Night Drinking
According to court documents, the incident took place around 3:30 a.m. on June 21 in a parking lot in Seoul’s Mapo District. Park was accused of assaulting a heavily intoxicated woman despite her resistance.
“The victim’s intoxicated state and her attempts to physically push him away were disregarded,” stated the court. “This act caused the victim considerable psychological distress.”
Court Considered Several Mitigating Circumstances
Despite the conviction, the court imposed a suspended sentence citing specific mitigating factors. Park reportedly admitted to the crime, expressed remorse, and the victim did not wish to pursue further punishment following a settlement. The court also noted that it was Park’s first offense and that he had already spent approximately three months in detention.
Public Reaction and Reality TV Scrutiny
The news has shocked viewers of I Am SOLO, a show known for matching single men and women in search of serious relationships. While no statement has been made by the show’s producers yet, the case puts a harsh spotlight once again on the off-camera behavior of reality TV stars.
As dating reality shows continue to gain popularity in South Korea and beyond, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of accountability, even after the credits roll.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support resources are available in many countries. In South Korea, contact the 1366 Women’s Emergency Hotline for 24/7 assistance.
