70-Year-Old Man Gets 25 Years for 40-Year Sexual Assault of Daughter and Granddaughter - Korea's Shocking Incest Case

The Unthinkable Crime That Shocked Korea

In April 2025, South Korea was rocked by one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory. A 75-year-old man, identified only as 'A' to protect the victims' privacy, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting his own daughter for four decades and later victimizing his granddaughter. The Daejeon District Court's Cheonan branch delivered this sentence, with Judge Jeon Kyung-ho expressing his dismay at the case.

The crime began in 1985 when the victim, referred to as 'B', was just a second-grade elementary school student - merely 8 years old. What followed was a nightmare that would span 40 years, involving over 270 documented instances of sexual assault. The perpetrator's control over his daughter was so complete that despite multiple escape attempts throughout her childhood and adult years, she remained trapped in this horrific situation.

Korean society, which places enormous emphasis on family honor and filial piety, was particularly shaken by this case. The traditional Confucian values that emphasize respect for elders and family hierarchy made this betrayal of trust even more shocking to the public consciousness.

A Cycle of Horror: From Daughter to Granddaughter

The case took an even more disturbing turn when it was revealed that the perpetrator had also sexually assaulted his granddaughter, 'C', who was born as a result of his abuse of his daughter. This child, who was both his granddaughter and biologically his daughter, became another victim before she even turned 10 years old.

The victim 'B' endured four pregnancies during the decades of abuse, each ending in termination. The psychological trauma of being forced to terminate pregnancies resulting from her father's abuse, while simultaneously being unable to escape the cycle of violence, represents a level of suffering that is difficult to comprehend.

Korean online communities were particularly vocal about this aspect of the case. On platforms like Naver and Daum, users expressed their horror at the generational nature of the abuse. Comments ranged from calls for harsher punishment to discussions about how such situations could be prevented in Korean society, where family privacy is often fiercely protected.

The Moment of Courage: Breaking the Silence

The breakthrough came when 'B' realized that her daughter was suffering the same fate she had endured for decades. This realization became the catalyst for her to finally seek help from authorities. After 40 years of silence, the knowledge that the cycle of abuse was continuing to the next generation gave her the strength to break free.

Korean netizens on communities like DC Inside and Instiz praised the mother's courage in finally coming forward, despite the decades of trauma. Many comments highlighted how difficult it must have been for a victim of such prolonged abuse to find the strength to report her abuser, especially in Korean society where family shame and social stigma around sexual assault remain significant barriers.

The case also sparked discussions about the support systems available for victims of family sexual abuse in Korea. Many users pointed out the need for better protection mechanisms and counseling services for victims who may be trapped in similar situations.

Legal Proceedings and the Perpetrator's Denial

Throughout the legal proceedings, the defendant maintained his innocence, claiming he was drunk and couldn't remember the incidents. This denial persisted even in the face of DNA evidence that conclusively proved his guilt. The court found his claims of memory loss due to intoxication to be completely without merit.

Judge Jeon Kyung-ho's sentencing remarks were particularly scathing: 'It is deplorable what can happen in our society. The defendant deprived the victims of the opportunity to live a normal and happy life. It seems even more tragic that a mother and a daughter were forced to helplessly watch each other suffer.'

The appeals process in June 2025 saw the Daejeon High Court uphold the original 25-year sentence. Judge Park Jin-hwan noted that the defendant's behavior toward his daughter was 'like treating her as a spouse,' including showing jealousy about her relationships with other men - behavior that the court found deeply disturbing and indicative of his complete lack of remorse.

Korean Society's Response and Cultural Context

The case has prompted significant discussion about family dynamics and power structures in Korean society. Traditional Korean culture's emphasis on paternal authority and family hierarchy, while having many positive aspects, can sometimes create environments where abuse goes unreported for extended periods.

Korean online communities showed a mix of outrage and soul-searching. On platforms like The Qoo and Nate Pann, users discussed how Korean society's reluctance to interfere in family matters might contribute to such cases going undetected. Many called for better education about recognizing signs of abuse and creating safer reporting mechanisms.

The case also highlighted the particular vulnerability of women and children in traditional Korean family structures, where questioning paternal authority has historically been discouraged. This has led to renewed calls for social reforms and better protection systems for potential victims.

Impact on Korean Legal System and Social Awareness

This case has become a landmark in Korean jurisprudence regarding family sexual abuse. The 25-year sentence, while significant, has sparked debate about whether it's sufficient for such heinous crimes. Some legal experts and citizens have called for life sentences or even stronger penalties for such cases.

The case has also influenced discussions about Korea's approach to handling sexual violence cases, particularly those involving family members. The consistent testimony of the victims, supported by DNA evidence, created a strong legal precedent for similar cases in the future.

Korean social media and blog platforms have seen extensive discussion about the need for better sex education and awareness programs to help potential victims recognize abuse and seek help earlier. Many bloggers and social commentators have used this case as an example of why Korea needs to modernize its approach to family privacy versus individual protection.

Lessons for Korean Society and Moving Forward

This tragic case serves as a wake-up call for Korean society about the dark realities that can exist behind closed doors. It has prompted discussions about balancing respect for family privacy with the need to protect vulnerable members, particularly children and women.

The courage shown by the victim in finally coming forward after four decades has been widely praised in Korean online communities. Her decision to break the cycle of abuse to protect her daughter has been seen as heroic by many commenters on various platforms.

As Korea continues to modernize and evolve socially, this case represents both the worst of traditional power imbalances and the hope that victims can find the courage to seek justice. The legal system's response, while not perfect, shows a commitment to taking such crimes seriously and protecting future victims from similar fates.