USFK Soldier Convicted and Sentenced in Grandma Rape Case
The Marmot is reporting that the soldier involved in the despicable grandma rape case has been sentenced to 4 years in prison. The Marmot thinks that the soldier got off light. In a US court system and especially a military court it appears he did get off easy. Take the 2003 Camp Jackson sexual assault case for example, the NCO involved in the rape of a KATUSA soldier was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
However, if you compare the soldier’s sentence to Korean rape cases he was actually punished quite heavily. Take this case of a Korean national raping a US Army private just arriving in country and missed the bus to Yongsan and instead decided to take a taxi. Instead of a ride to Yongsan she was raped by the cab driver. What happened to the cab driver you may ask? Not much:
The Seoul High Court yesterday overturned the conviction by a lower court of a 49-year old taxi driver who had been charged with the rape of a 19-year old U.S. female soldier.
The man had received a 10-month prison term in the original trial after being convicted of luring the newly-arrived servicewoman from Incheon International Airport to a hotel near there where the woman said he raped her.The woman reported the incident to U.S. military authorities, who asked for assistance from Korean prosecutors. The appeals court ruled that the woman had shown no evidence of having refused the man’s advances, and that he used not enough violence to constitute rape.
Fortunately a higher court later over turned this ridiculous ruling and gave the guy a sentence of two and half years in prison. But still two and half years for a predator that raped a 19 year old soldier? Isn’t this rape case just as disgusting as the rape of a 67 year old woman? At least this rape had some one arrested for it unlike when a US Army officer was raped by a Korean man in Taegu. How about this rape of an English teacher in Seoul that is particularly unsettling. Here is my personal favorite of a Korean man whose only punishment for attempting to rape a woman in his car was to lose his license. Most recently the ROK Army soldier who sexually assaulted a US female soldier on Camp Casey only received a sentence of 4 years probation.
Going by the Korean standard of recent sentencing of sexual assaults against foreigners, the convicted USFK soldier in this rape case should have received up to two and half years in jail to a minimum of four years probation and possibly lose his driver’s license.
For all the talk about the unfair SOFA Agreement, this is just one case in many I have seen where if the military tried the case the criminal would have probably spent more time in jail. Perfect example is the Camp Jackson case I mentioned earlier. Either way the criminal is in jail and justice was served, but it would be nice to see justice served against the criminals committing sexual assaults against foreigners as well.
I did a brief write up here: http://usinkorea.org/blog1/?p=407
I plan to add this case to the GI Crimes Myth section of my site now that the 1st verdict is in and there are enough news articles out to allow a better review.
For those who don't know, the first 2 GIs convicted of rape in Korea, by the Korean police, happened in —– 1967…
If you have taught Korean adults or spent a lot of time with a lot of different Korean adults and talked a good bit, that might be shocking news to you.
On the light sentencing for Koreans when the GI is the victim, my standard for looking at things is "How does Korean society handle it when it is Korean-on-Korean crime?"
Personally, as a victim of sex crime, if it were up to me, we would do things to these people that would make Amnesty International members die of a heart attack —– but when it comes to US-SK relations, I want to compare what Korean justice does between natives and GIs.
And though I haven't been able to do as much research on k-on-k cases as I've found with GIs, I've caught enough over the years about sex crimes against children and rape of women to get an OK educated guess that —— South Korea's legal system (and society) is just behind the curve when it comes to sex crimes and crimes against children.
I am sure Koreans will admit this – judging by the editorials and news articles you catch on this each year. I guess it is kind of like their educational system: they know it is screwed up and needs to change, but they never seem to get the changes rolling well…
So, I think it would not be too difficult, if I could read Korean well enough, to find cases where a Korean man has raped a Korean woman, and gotten as light a sentence as in the GI cases.
P.S.
This GI got 4 years. My guess/prediction is: by the time all his appeals are through, he will be released not long after for time served, with his ultimate time in prison ending up being perhaps 2 years or less. That is my gut feeling based on initial sentencing vs after appeals I've seen with these GI crimes and a few Korean ones I've been able to catch here and there.
With a rape culture like this, they lose all rights to comfort women grievances.
Here are some clips from the Inside North Korea special a few days ago:
(1) Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTNvaZu30UQ
(2) Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmLJ8j5PIys
It isn't just rape, the owners of that Dept. Store(Sampoong?) that collapsed in 1995 got what, 6-8 years in jail. For 500 people killed. Something tells me the Korean justice is seriously broken.
Bill
[…] More from the Stars and Stripes here. What makes this story even weirder is that these two guys were picked up just hours before by the Seoul police for sexually harassing another woman in the same area. Reading through the newspaper reports, if true, which is often not the case in the Korean media it appears these two are sexual predators because this appears to me more than just some guy getting drunk and assaulting a female as we have seen happen recently before. […]
[…] Grandma Rape Case / JAN07 – 1 Casey soldier […]
[…] http://rokdrop.com/2007/03/09/usfk-soldier-convicted-and-sentenced-in-grandma-rape-case/ […]
I suppose compared to the U.S. or other Western countries the ROK is behind the curve, but perhaps you should make the comparison with other states that have lacked a long history of feminism. I lived in Kenya for two years, and to state that women are of less value than livestock really is not an exaggeration.
"Something tells me the Korean justice is seriously broken."
It seems like Justice, be it anything from discouragement to commit crimes to removal from society to institutionalized feel-good revenge, is not as strong in Korea as many Westerners would think reasonable.
On the other hand, America with competent investigators, harsh punishments and unbelievably large prison populations, seem to have more crime than Korea, more repeat offenders and more serious acts of violence.
Something is broken. I'm just not sure what… or how to fix it.
J!
It´s always the same, when an american gets a heavy punishment you guys complain it is heavy, when the punishment is light you complain it is to light, so korean justice stinks… and when an american guy does something wrong in Korea you guys bring up thousand of wrong things done by koreans to prove to the world how koreans are bad and miserables. Its a trend in american blogs. There are good and bad people everywere, even in korea (and USA, of course).
Anybody remember the case of the koreans sued in USA because of the trouser of a judge?
There is only one thing that remains the same on this blog: Dr. Yu completely missing the point of the debate.
This debate is not about whether someone's jail sentence was too heavy or too light.
This debate is about the equity in Korean judicial practices that are applied to Koreans and non-Koreans committing the same types of sex crimes in Korea.
Dr. Yu, I look forward to the day when you can add something constructive to this blog, instead of your usual American generalizations.
yu said, "you guys bring up thousand wrong things done by koreans to prove to the world how koreans are bad and miserables".
yu, I don't believe US cares even half as much as SK about what the "world" thinks. If you haven't noticed, the "world" bitches alot because US will not do as the "world" wishes. Compare this to SK only making needed changes when word gets out about how bad they are needed. Thousand wrongs done by SK to US? Yea, I think you got that right. Hum, what comes to mind? Female troops just arriving being pickup at Kimpo and raped by SK taxi drivers, Riots in Seoul 2002, Soldiers assulted on train in Seoul and kidnaped, blameing the Prostitution and human trafficking of third country females on the US, blameing the prostitution of korean women on the US. I could take some time and think of much more without looking it up.
The only "trend" I see is that of SK failing to take responsibility for its actions and blameing its poor situation on the only people that ever gave any assistance.
To give you credit where credit is due; I remember the trouser situation and I believe that "judge" should be fired and the case thrown out. That does not compare with a soldier being kidnaped. I believe SK SHOULD BE SUED for that.
ChickenHead
We could start by inforcing the laws we have and when they are broken and the individual is sentenced, STOP this stupid early release for good behaviour. Also stop making the Cops look over their shoulder. Some of these law breakers just ask for a good a-s beating before the cuffs go on. Rainbow push and the NAACP have done much to weaken the legal system. Don't believe me then come to Memphis TN and look around. Or New Orleans for another fine example.
I do not mention any race or skin color out of the fear of being called a racest, just like the Cops and the Media, oh and the Army.
For any that may care to learn about this, you can Google under the title
MEDIA BLACKOUT ON CHRISTIAN-NEWSOM MURDERS
Dan,
Out of curiosity, I have spent a bit of time in a couple of ghettos in America.
It is the only time I actually had culture shock. America isn't supposed to have these sub-third world conditions. Reality is worse than any news report or any movie can ever convey to those who have never been there and who see "ghetto" as an abstract concept.
These conditions and the dominate culture, not racial background, breed a high number of animals.
Until an honest public discussion of the culture can be made without it intentionally being confused with race, the problem will not be solved.
Bill Cosby tried and it didn't sit well with the professional victims in the groups you mentioned.
As for cops giving ass beatings, it sure would make me feel better in the short term… but I have little faith in a system that would allow this type of behavior from law enforcement… and less faith that it would be used wisely. Multiple and consistent steps in an ordered and transparent legal system have the best chance for true justice to be served.
As for punishment, enforcement and early release, you seem to be in favor of the Get Them Out of Society For a Long Time school of thought. A reasonable measure, perhaps, but it doesn't address the fundamental question of how these animals are created in the first place.
One reason I enjoy living in Korea is that ghetto, and it's associated problems, is an abstract concept (except when it affects Koreatown).
J!
As usual CH, you make sence. Yes, I feel that if you are given 25 to life, you should know that your not going to see outside for 25 years, at least.
As to what causes these animals to be animals, I think knowing that 25 to life means 5 years might have something to do with it.
To the issue of culture, well if you were born here just like I was and your culture is that of hate, I don't care about your culture, it is broken and said individual needs off the street.
Tell it to the couple out on a date who were car jacked, raped, bodyparts removed while alive, he was burned and she was dismembered and found in a trash can. Four black guys and one female. Who was it done too? A white couple. Why? White, again. Why didn't it make the national news? After all, I had never heard of Imus untill Jessi and Al made a big deal out of "nappi headed Whores". Where are they now? Oh yea the victims were white.
You want to talk about the Culture. Good! Cause the national news doesn't and Al and Jackson don't. Someone really should.
Nappi headed whores is headline stuff, but the torture and murder of two young people isn't. There is your Culture problem.
Sorry about the rant, but it makes me so angry. These people died a nightmare death,————————-
Jax,
I'm a lawyer in Brazil and I can tell you that no country in the world has a perfect judicial system (not even the USA !!!).
If you prove me that the justice in your country is perfect I will apology to you for the korean "poor" and "lack of equity" legal system.
But if you fail to prove me how "wondefull" and "perfect" it's your legal system, than I think you should stop critizing korea and start minding on your own problem.
Something that americans will never undertand: People are the same everywhere. The same problem, the same virtues, just some differences, but the same problems. Politeness and good manners opens the door better than ruthness and ignorance. Americans have more money and weapons than others, but not intelligence or wisdom.
Dear Dan,
If having legal problems with foreigners is a sign of broken and unfair legal system, than your country is in worse shape than us. You are so concerned about the rights of the foreigners, I think I will bring you cases of korean people being legaly abused in your country.
As for the "assistance", this word usually implies in good actions and act of kindness motivated by humanitarian and no-profitable reasons, when the motivation is the pursue of profit it is call trade. Which word are you talking about? Please enlight me your thoughts than I will talk you more about the meaning of the american "assistance".
Yu, I don't have the time or desire to concern myself with the abuse of foreigners in American. You would know this if you had read all my postings. I am much more concerned about the abuse of Americans by the American legal system. The desire To highlight bad mouthing by Whites and downplay murder, torture and rape by blacks is strong in America. I will never say there is nothing wrong with american legal/political system. I will also point out what is wrong with the same in Korea. Especially when it is so obvious to see.
As to the Assistance given your country, If I could go back in time and cause America to stay out of Korea, I would do so. No matter what US got out of the deal, it wasn't worth it, in retrospect. But There are millions of people in SK that are FREE to complain and burn my flag today because of men that fought and died for YOUR country, not THEIRS. They had round eyes for the most part, and had never heard of the country that they would later die to protect. When you riot, burn my flag, protest, fail to pay your shair to protect YOUR country I lose respect for you. That is a normal response. You still don't understand and I find that both sad and amazing. You still try to show that korea is better or greater than America. That has never been the issue, because nothing is 100% or – . You are so busy trying to defend the large picture that you miss the individual issues.
But after all that is said, there is but one bottom line. There would never have been a South Korea if not for America. But as I said, if I could go back and stop America from defending SK I would. That would have fixed the troubles today between us. There would be one Korea. A communist country something like Cuba just north of Japan. That is what SK seems to want, and you wouldn't have to worry about Japan, because they would be so far ahead of you that you couldn't see them.
If only I could, I would. Korea is not a good friend to America.
This soldier got what he deserved. The one who I think was totally railroaded was the Marine in the Philippines who received a sentence of 40 years in a case that was incredibly weak.
Unfortunately, this young soldier was permitted to become the face of the US colonialism and paid the price for something that happened years before he was born.
In fact, they tried 4 soldiers and 3 were acquitted. The 3 should never have been tried at all and the one who was convicted received a very harsh sentence for what looked like drunk sex.
The military brass and State Department stood hopelessly by and allowed this young soldier to be railroaded.
Now they must hope for a reduced sentence on appeal.
Dan,
Discussing the participation of americans in the Korean war is a sensitive matter that can not be treated lightly. This is an issue that deserve respect, honesty and transparency and I´m afraid that probably me or you are not prepared.
But remember something: koreans died in the war. The american society sent young americans to die in a country they don´t know, why? Probably most of them never heard about korea before the war. Than what motivated the americans to send their young people to die in the "end of the world"? before critizing korea you should make this question to your politicians, since they decided to get into the war.
Why would I care what american politicians of today, have to say about a war that started on june 25th 1950? Most likely they don't know as much about it as I do. If they did, america would have left korea long ago. But no! The korean/american relationship is being used as an "example" for what is desired in Iraq. Someone will likely point out that hostle action in asian countries has been reduced because of the "tripwire" affect of US forces in korea and japan. I agree with this. But I do not think it should be repeated else where. In fact, I believe america has served its purpose in korea and is now overstaying her welcome. Korea does not care about america anylonger, so america should go home. American Soldiers deserve to be used for a greated effect elsewhere. Siting behind wire, walls and gates for a year in a country that does not want or need you there any longer is a waste of good men and women. Not that the current group of political leaders in Washington have any knowledge of this situation.
To answer the question of what motivated america to get involved with the 1950 war. I believe the answer was to "stop the spread of Communism" in the area. China went red and then Kim Il Song was made the puppit Leader in the North for the USSR. We could have left then, and you guys would have been one happy korea under USSR control. Then you could have been happy. Ask any North Korean.
Unless korea has oil or other minerals in short supply that I know nothing about.
That would be fun to watch. Koreans burning the flag of the USSR. Oh, wait. I'm not sure they would allow that? Only Americans could be that weak. That is the way Koreans see America, right?
Yu,
I am not looking for an apology from you, nor do I ever remember asking for one. Instead, your reply proved my point.
Rather than focus on the blog's original issue (Korean judicial standards for sex crimes), you wasted no time trying to blame everyone else (especially Americans) with your usual variety of dubious and sensationalized assertions. Are you a lawyer?
As for the American legal system and society, no one on this blog is claiming perfection. Rather, human migration patterns are a real good indicator of "justice" and where to find it. My comfort comes from the fact that there is no shortage of non-Americans trying to become Americans, if for no other reason that to live under a rule of law that they can reasonably trust.
If you disagree, then the next time you are in Seoul, go stand outside the US Embassy and count the number of Koreans standing in the visa line.
Dan,
Wrong answer. Try again.
[…] wonder if these three pieces of crap will face tough Korean justice of probation and losing your license for sex […]
Jax,
Hahaha !!! seems like you are missing the point as well, go to the line outside the american embassy in Seul, Paris, Pequin, etc and ask them the reason why they are going to USA, none of them will tell you because of the "famous" amercian legal system.
I never told you korean legal system was perfect, rather I was trying to show you that judicial systems around the world has the same problem.
You are so proud of your legal system, please ask to the prisoners in Guantanamo what they think about the it. I remember your supreme court once rejected a legal action from human right defenders saying that it has no jurisdiction over the guantanamo base. What ???? than who has? Fidel Castro? so if a american soldier kills an other american in Guantanamo will they report to Cuba? Of course you will say no, because it is under the american military law, but your military law is subject to the authority of the supreme court, right?
You don´t have to be an expert in law to understand that your supreme court took a political aproach to the case, trying to avoid confrontation with the bush administration, since at the time was shielded from critics by the protection of the media. Your supreme court was afraid to face the public reaction so took a biased decision.
To me, your justice looks the same to ohters.
Yu,
You have posted some sensational and baseless accusations on this blog before, but your last post tops them all, and it attests to high degree of irrational bitterness you have toward the USA.
Yet, I will take the time to respond:
Rule of law has everything to do with someone wanting to get a visa. Why would anyone legally immigrate to another country if they had no reasonable expectation to trust the legal system?
They may be seeking a better economic future, but those hopes are futile if there is an expectation that the legal system won't afford them the rights associated with seeking prosperity. The punitive tax and employment laws in many other countries are reason enough to immigrate to the USA.
So you want to drag Gitmo into this debate. What that has to do with immigration and sex crimes is beyond me. Honestly, I could care less about what the detainees think about the American legal system because they are not American citizens or permanent residents, nor do they have any desire to be.
Better yet, if the detainees had their way, they would be happy to use the American legal system to seek release from Gitmo in order to continue their Jihad, which includes the goal of replacing American legal principles with strict Wahabi Islamic law. Maybe that is what they think of the American legal system … a means to continue their Jihad. Is that your idea of fair justice?
So the Supreme Court didn't agree with you, and you want to accuse them of being biased and playing politics under the protection of an American media that supports Gitmo policies. That assertion is so baseless, that I honestly do not think you understand the dynamics of this issue within the USA; especially in regard to the fact that the overwhelmingly liberal American media detests Gitmo policies.
Consequently, I will trust the Supreme Court's judgment over your bitter views any day.
Yu, you didn't offer an alternative reason for the American involvement In 1950. I can only conclude that you don't have one. Thanks, it was fun.
[…] Five Posts for the Month of June1. USFK Soldier Sentenced and Convicted in Grandma Rape Case2. The Solution to Indiscipline Problems Found3. Filipino Diplomat Caught Shoplifting in USFK PX4. […]
[…] SearchResults 1 – 10 of about 27 for nappi headed whores… USFK Soldier Convicted and Sentenced in Grandma Rape Case at ROK DropAfter all, I had never heard of Imus untill Jessi and Al made a big deal out of “nappi headed […]
[…] Five Posts for the Month of July1. USFK Soldier Sentenced and Convicted in Grandma Rape Case2. ROK Army Sexual Assault Update3. Suicide Bomber Kills Korean Servicemember in Afghanistan4. […]
[…] [GI Korea] USFK Soldier Convicted and Sentenced in Grandma Rape Case Published: Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:17:43 +0000 The Marmot is reporting that the soldier involved in the despicable grandma rape case has been sentenced to 4 years in prison.?* The Marmot thinks that the soldier got off light.?* In a US court system and especially a military court it appears he did get off easy.?* Take the 2003 Camp Jackson sexual assault […] Read More… […]
Wow, I just read this and had to comment! If Dr. Yu is truly a Korean attorney, then everything written by Dan and Jax is totally substantiated!! Point in case, like every other industry in Korea, it has all been modeled after the West. Ever wonder why, Dr. Yu?
Kimchikills,
First. I’m a lawyer in Brazil not in Korea.
Second. I don’t want to resume this conversation. It is useless.
Third. You are right. Thousands of things in Korea have been modeled after the west, an example? I’m actually studying Korean philosophy so read a book on Silhak and I found out that Silhak was originated and highly influenced by western science, through China. Would it be a sign of inferiority? Maybe. It depends on each personal point of view, but I wonder who in the world can claim complete genuineness? This is what I call Korean self-reliance paradox: In order to be self-reliant Korea needs foreign assistance (in all aspects). It is hard to be a Korean !!!!!
Yu
I have no respect for anyone that is correen and haphazardly uses the title of Dr. I have seen several coreen hospitals and don't understand why the sanitary conditions are so poor. Equipment with blood on it, bloody bandages everywhere, used syringes lying around, just filthy conditions – all this while the "doctors" are surfing the internet waiting to get off work so they can go get drunk. The hospitals and medical care and conditions in coorea are worse than some third world countries I have seen. Anyway, I just wanted to write you and say – I have no respect for you or any other kurean that uses the title of Dr. (Maybe Dr. translates into kuaren as "a person who wears a white coat and a stethoscope around their neck.") If you have a korean name don't use Dr. as a title.
Yu
in Brazil? didn't like kurrea? the place must suck and that is why people with money there send their children out of the country for education, force their children to learn english, and fashion their national treasures out of matches. I were kguregn, i would move to Brazil too.
I would also pay someone to give me a degree. Either, Esq. or Dr. heck, why not both?
[Comment Deleted]
[…] 4. USFK Soldier Convicted and Sentenced in Grandma Rape Case […]
Wow, so this is where the lowest forms of America reside in their little blankets of hate ignorance and bigotry. there probably ain't single goddamn real American let alone any real military here. You all sound like a bunch fat lily livered big mouthed cowards.
Freedom? You simple lemmings wouldn't know Freedom if it slapped you in the face with a giant black penis. And in three weeks, it will.
Go F@#$ yourselves cowards.
Anyone who says that the guy who raped a woman got too little time is loosing sight of what really was done. Just because another example of a similar crime didn't received as much jail time does nothing to reduce the responsibility and hideousness of the person who would do something like this. We don't grade justice on a curve. The US solder didn't get too much time for his crime. The other individuals received too less.
[…] little Korean media attention surrounding this case compared to past cases of GI crime such as the Grandma Rape Case. Korea Beat looked for Korean media articles on the rape incident and found very little as […]
Fidel Castro would always be an icon of history evethough he is against the U.S.'~'