Kwon Min-a, a former member of the K-pop girl group AOA, secured a partial legal victory on May 19, 2026, when an appeals court recognized the rape charge from an assault that happened 18 years ago in Busan, South Korea [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The perpetrator acknowledged guilt in court but was not sentenced to prison because the statute of limitations had expired on the bodily injury charge related to the rape [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Kwon was sexually assaulted at age 14 in middle school. She was taken to a stranger's house and endured a prolonged physical and sexual assault lasting 6 to 7 hours [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. After the attack, she did not seek medical care or report the crime due to fear and social stigma [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
She publicly disclosed the assault in 2021 after years of silence, which led to a four-year legal battle extending from 2022 to 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. In January 2026, Kwon attempted suicide but was rescued, and she is currently focusing on recovery [3, 6].
Kwon expressed relief and a sense of closure from the court ruling. She said, “Even if only one charge is recognized, it has extremely significant meaning... At least it has been confirmed that person is a bad person. I think I am satisfied with the current result” [2]. She described the ruling as like completing a long-overdue assignment, adding, “My mood is now much lighter” [6].
She encouraged other victims of sexual violence to come forward, saying, “Don't blame yourself, don't hide, this is not something to be ashamed of. I hope everyone can muster the courage to speak out loudly” [2, 6]. Kwon also revealed she is preparing legal action related to another case [1, 2, 3, 6].
The court recognition of the rape charge provides a measure of justice though the perpetrator cannot face imprisonment due to statute of limitations. Kwon’s legal fight marked a rare example of long-delayed accountability in historic sexual assault claims within South Korea’s entertainment industry.
The appeals court ruling on May 19 marks a significant milestone in Kwon Min-a’s personal and legal journey. She continues to focus publicly on healing while preparing upcoming legal steps connected to related cases [1, 2, 3, 6].
