Sex Under False Pretences

You'd better think twice before lying your way into a woman's pants in South Korea - especially if you happen to be married.

SEOUL — A U.S. soldier faces up to two years in Korean jail after promising to marry a South Korean woman, having sex with her, then reneging on the engagement, according to Korean court and prosecution officials.

The accusation — sexual intercourse under the pretense of marriage — is a crime in South Korea, though one rarely prosecuted against U.S. servicemembers, according to an American lawyer practicing in Seoul.

“‘I will marry you, I love you,’ then (the man) calls it off — that’s a crime” if sex is involved, said Brendon Carr, who practices with the Aurora Law Offices in Seoul. The maximum punishment is up to two years in jail or up to a 5 million won, or $5,000, fine, Carr said.

Sgt. Han Jin-hong, a 35-year-old soldier with the 2nd Infantry Division, faces the prospect of that punishment, according to the Uijeongbu prosecutor’s office.

Han, who is married, also faces a charge of adultery in Korean court, according to Yang Seung-seok of the Uijeongbu prosecutor’s office.

What did I tell you about social conservatism in the Land of the Morning Calm? The women may be hot, but don't even think about messing with 'em.

Comments

[Oliver]

How on earth do you prove this crime? Did he leave a camera running while talking her into bed or what?

[Andrew]

Maybe they can get records of their internet chat...?