Court Boosts Sentence For Viral 'Box Woman' In Public Indecency Case

Sentence Toughened for 'Apgujeong Box Woman'

A Seoul woman in her 20s, infamously known as the 'Apgujeong Box Woman', has received a suspended prison sentence after appealing her initial punishment. Previously fined for her provocative street performance, which involved wearing only a box in bustling areas like Apgujeong and Hongdae, Lee now faces a tougher penalty. Her actions, which included allowing strangers to touch her, were captured for YouTube content and sparked significant public outrage.

Captured in Hongdae on October 21, 2023, Lee's case drew widespread media attention, leading to increased scrutiny on social media.

Judicial Decision Overturns Initial Fine

On October 17, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Appeals Division 2-2 announced its decision to overturn Lee's initial 4 million won fine. Instead, judges Kang Hee-seok, Cho Eun-ah, and Kwak Jeong-han imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and mandated a 40-hour sexual violence recidivism prevention lecture. Upset with what they saw as lenient, prosecutors had pushed for a harsher sentence.

"The sentence was deemed too low given the media coverage and the social controversy it incited," the court explained while discussing their rationale for the stricter punishment.

Co-conspirators Face Suspended Sentences

Alongside Lee, two executives from an adult content production company were also sentenced. They received suspended prison terms of 10 months and one year, respectively, overturning their initial fines. Their role in orchestrating the public interactions, where passersby were encouraged to touch Lee, led to their legal troubles.

The incident, which unfolded in October 2023, saw Lee quickly dubbed the 'Apgujeong Box Woman' following the viral spread of the footage on social media. As Lee continues to face legal challenges, including a separate trial for alleged narcotics violations, her story remains a focal point of societal debate over public decency standards.