Woman charged with attempted rape for the first time in Korea

On April 3, the Seoul Central Prosecutor's Office announced that a 45-year-old woman Jeon was charged for attempted rape of her 51-year-old ex-boyfriend. This is the first time a woman is officially receiving this charge in Korea.

According to prosecution, Jeon and her ex-boyfriend met back in 2011 at a bicycle club. Although the ex-boyfriend was a married man with children, the two dated for four years ever since. The ex-boyfriend attempted to end the relationship back in August.

The incident occurred when Jeon asked the ex-boyfriend to meet for one last time at her house, where she subsequently drugged him with tea spiked with sleeping pills. When the ex-boyfriend fell asleep, Jeon undressed and tied him to her bed. While attempting to rape him, the ex-boyfriend awoke and tried to break free, but reports say Jeon hit him with a hammer and threatened to kill him.

Jeon will be the first woman in Korea to be charged with attempted rape. Prior to June 2013, women were only considered victims of rape cases and could only be charged with sexual molestation by force. While a rapist faces a minimum of three years in prison, those charged with sexual molestation by force would usually receive lighter punishments.