Prosecutors have sought a suspended prison sentence for Jeong, 49, husband of Kurly CEO Kim Seul-ah, on charges of groping a probationary employee.
At a hearing held on the 10th at Seoul Eastern District Court before Presiding Judge Chu Jin-seok of the 5th Criminal Division, prosecutors requested a one-year prison term with a two-year suspension, along with three years of mandatory sexual violence treatment program attendance and employment restrictions.
Jeong, who serves as CEO of Next Kitchen, was indicted in January for allegedly sexually harassing employee A at a restaurant in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, in June last year. The investigation found he touched A's arm and waist while making remarks to the effect of "I like you." Next Kitchen is an affiliate in which Kurly holds a 46.4% stake.
Jeong admitted to all charges. He stated that following the incident, he helped the victim recover by hiring A as a full-time employee and sought forgiveness, ultimately reaching an amicable settlement and receiving a letter of no punishment desired.
In his final statement, Jeong said, "This will remain the most shameful thing in my life," adding, "I will not dismiss this as a drunken mistake, but accept it as a matter of attitude toward life and self-control."
Sentencing is scheduled for 1:50 p.m. on the 7th of next month.
