Guitar Instructor's Shocking Excuse: 'Missing First Love' Led to Sexual Assault of Elementary Students

The Shocking Case That Stunned Jeju Island

A devastating case has emerged from Jeju Island that has left the Korean public horrified and outraged. On June 26, 2025, the Jeju District Court sentenced a 32-year-old guitar instructor, identified only as Mr. A, to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting three elementary school students under the age of 13. What makes this case particularly disturbing is not just the heinous nature of the crimes, but the defendant's bizarre justification for his actions.

The case first came to light in late 2024 when reports surfaced about inappropriate conduct at a guitar academy in Jeju City. Mr. A had been working as an instructor at the academy, a position that required him to work closely with young students in one-on-one or small group settings. The trust placed in him by parents and the academy administration made his betrayal all the more shocking.

The prosecution had initially sought an 18-year sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the defendant's abuse of his position of authority. However, the court ultimately sentenced him to 11 years, taking into account his confession and apparent remorse, though many in the Korean public feel this sentence is insufficient given the gravity of his crimes.

Details of the Horrific Crimes

The criminal activities began in mid-November 2024 and continued through December of the same year. Mr. A systematically abused his position as a guitar instructor to commit multiple acts of sexual assault against his young students. The primary victim, referred to as Miss B, was subjected to repeated sexual harassment and assault under the guise of guitar lessons.

What makes this case particularly disturbing is the calculated nature of the crimes. According to court documents, Mr. A would observe his victims' reactions to his initial inappropriate behavior and then escalate his actions based on their responses. This predatory behavior demonstrates a level of premeditation that has shocked both legal experts and the general public.

During the police investigation, two additional victims came forward, bringing the total number of affected children to three. All victims were under the age of 13, making them particularly vulnerable and unable to fully understand or resist what was happening to them. The prosecution noted that Mr. A had committed various forms of sexual assault, including inappropriate touching, similar sexual acts, and in some cases, rape.

The defendant attempted to make a criminal deposit during the trial process, likely hoping to reach a settlement with the victims' families. However, the victims' families refused to accept any form of compensation, sending a clear message that no amount of money could undo the trauma their children had experienced.

The Defendant's Absurd Justification

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of this case is the explanation provided by Mr. A's defense attorney for his client's criminal behavior. During the trial, the defense argued that the defendant's crimes were motivated by his longing for his first love and the emotional trauma he experienced from a failed relationship.

According to the defense's narrative, Mr. A had been a devout Christian who attended church regularly. He had fallen in love with the pastor's daughter and began a romantic relationship with her. However, the pastor strongly opposed the relationship, forcing the couple to break up. After completing his military service, Mr. A attempted to rekindle the relationship, but the woman rejected his advances.

The defense claimed that this rejection led Mr. A to abandon his faith and throw himself into music, specifically guitar playing. They argued that his inability to cope with the loss of his first love and the subsequent feelings of defeat and depression ultimately led him to commit these heinous crimes against innocent children.

This explanation has been met with widespread disgust and disbelief from the Korean public. Many have pointed out that millions of people experience heartbreak and rejection without turning to child abuse, making this justification not only inadequate but insulting to the victims and their families.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

The legal proceedings in this case moved relatively quickly, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty available under Korean law. On June 12, 2025, during the final hearing, prosecutors demanded an 18-year prison sentence, along with employment restrictions, personal information disclosure, and mandatory completion of sexual violence treatment programs.

The prosecution emphasized several aggravating factors in their sentencing recommendation. They noted that Mr. A had betrayed the trust placed in him as an educator and had committed multiple crimes against extremely vulnerable victims. The systematic nature of his crimes, including his practice of gauging victims' reactions before escalating his behavior, demonstrated a particularly callous and predatory mindset.

During the trial, Mr. A admitted to all charges against him. In his statement to the court, he said, 'I have committed a big crime. I am sorry to the victims and their families. I will live with self-reflection for the rest of my life.' His defense attorney pleaded for leniency, asking the court to give his client a chance for rehabilitation after his release from prison.

On June 26, 2025, Judge Lim Jae-nam of the Jeju District Court's Second Criminal Division delivered the sentence. While the 11-year prison term was less than what prosecutors had sought, the court also imposed additional penalties including 40 hours of mandatory sexual violence treatment programs and a 10-year ban on employment at institutions serving children, adolescents, and disabled individuals.

Public Reaction and Community Response

The case has generated intense discussion across Korean online communities and social media platforms. On popular forums like Naver Cafe, Daum communities, and various online bulletin boards, users have expressed their outrage at both the crimes and the defendant's excuse.

Many commenters have focused on the inadequacy of the sentence, arguing that 11 years is insufficient for crimes of this magnitude. One popular comment on Naver News read: 'How can someone destroy three children's lives and only get 11 years? This is not justice.' Another user wrote: 'The excuse about first love is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Millions of people get their hearts broken and don't become child predators.'

Parents' communities have been particularly vocal about their concerns regarding the safety of children in private academies. Many have called for stricter background checks and monitoring systems for instructors who work with minors. Some have suggested implementing mandatory CCTV systems in all private tutoring facilities to prevent similar incidents.

The case has also reignited discussions about the adequacy of Korea's sentencing guidelines for sexual crimes against children. Legal experts have noted that while the sentence includes important additional restrictions, the prison term itself may not serve as an adequate deterrent for similar crimes.

Religious communities have also weighed in on the case, with many expressing dismay at the defendant's attempt to use his failed relationship with a pastor's daughter as justification for his crimes. Church leaders have emphasized that faith-based rejection should never be used as an excuse for criminal behavior.

Implications for Child Safety in Educational Settings

This case has highlighted serious concerns about child safety in Korea's extensive private education system. The hagwon (private academy) industry is a massive part of Korean education, with millions of students attending various types of supplementary classes after regular school hours.

Music academies, in particular, often involve one-on-one instruction or small group lessons, creating situations where instructors have significant unsupervised access to students. The intimate nature of music instruction, which may involve physical guidance and close proximity, can potentially be exploited by individuals with malicious intent.

Education experts have called for comprehensive reforms to protect children in these environments. Proposed measures include mandatory background checks for all academy instructors, regular training on appropriate boundaries and behavior, installation of monitoring systems, and clear protocols for reporting suspicious behavior.

Parents' groups have also emphasized the need for better communication between academies and families. Many have suggested implementing regular check-ins with students about their experiences and creating safe channels for children to report uncomfortable situations.

The case has also drawn attention to the importance of educating children about appropriate and inappropriate behavior from adults in positions of authority. Child safety advocates have stressed the need for age-appropriate programs that teach children to recognize and report inappropriate conduct.

Legal and Social Implications Moving Forward

The sentencing in this case reflects ongoing debates about appropriate punishment for sexual crimes against children in Korea. While the 11-year sentence represents a significant prison term, many legal experts and advocacy groups argue that it may not adequately reflect the severity of the crimes or serve as an effective deterrent.

The additional restrictions imposed by the court, including the 10-year employment ban and mandatory treatment programs, represent important steps toward preventing future offenses. However, critics have noted that monitoring and enforcement of these restrictions will be crucial to their effectiveness.

This case also highlights the need for better support systems for victims of child sexual abuse. The three young victims in this case will require extensive psychological support and therapy to help them process their trauma and develop healthy relationships in the future.

The defendant's bizarre justification for his crimes has sparked broader discussions about personal responsibility and the dangers of using past emotional trauma to excuse criminal behavior. Mental health experts have emphasized that while past experiences can contribute to psychological issues, they never justify harming innocent children.

As Korea continues to grapple with issues of child safety and sexual violence, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, proper safeguards, and swift justice when such crimes occur. The courage of the young victims and their families in coming forward has helped ensure that a dangerous predator has been removed from society, even as the community continues to heal from this traumatic incident.