Kwon Mina, formerly of the group AOA, shared her complex feelings following the court ruling in a case related to sexual assault she endured as a middle school student, a legal battle that lasted over four years.
On the 19th, Kwon Mina posted a lengthy message on her personal Instagram account, saying, “Today marks the end of a long journey of more than four years.” She began, “When preparing for and starting the trial, since the incident happened 14 years ago, there was hope and expectation that if injury charges were acknowledged, the statute of limitations would not have passed, and harsher punishment could be imposed.”
However, she revealed that the second trial recognized the rape charges but did not accept the injury charges. Kwon expressed regret, stating, “Because the injury charges were not recognized, due to the statute of limitations, no further punishment could be imposed.” Nevertheless, she added, “From my position as the victim, it was important to know whether it was guilty or not, and I place great significance on at least one charge being acknowledged.”
She continued, “Since it has been proven that the person did wrong, I want to be satisfied with this outcome. In the past, because of the social atmosphere, I had no choice but to hide and stay silent, but now it seems the atmosphere has changed.” She urged, “I hope many victims will not blame themselves, will not hide, and will find the courage to come forward.”
Kwon also expressed gratitude to those who helped her during the investigation and trial. She said, “I’m truly thankful and sorry to the police officers and prosecutors who carried the emotional burden for me and ran alongside me,” adding, “I sincerely thank those who testified.”
Currently preparing another lawsuit related to a different case, Kwon admitted, “The reality where no one can protect me is already making me feel tired and powerless.” She appealed, “Rather than craving a specific result, I hope even one part of my testimony is recognized and accepted.”
She also commented on her recent health, saying, “Right now, I want to focus on skin treatment and only think about myself. In fact, I could only work one day a week. I’m a bit exhausted to push myself to do anything.” Despite this, she reassured fans worried about her, saying, “It’s just a brief moment of fatigue.”
Previously, in 2021, Kwon Mina had confessed that she was sexually assaulted while in middle school. At that time, she said, “I followed a friend and was sexually assaulted and beaten in an empty house,” and “I did not report it because I was afraid of retaliation.” An investigation followed, and some charges were acknowledged in the recent ruling.
In closing, Kwon Mina said, “I feel relieved as if I have completed one assignment. I will work through the other assignments well too.“
