71-year-old suspect who harassed South Korean woman arrested: His statement revealed

South Korean national Hyojeong Park, known on social media by the name 'Mhyochi', was subjected to verbal and physical harassment by 71-year-old Y.Z.A. while she was live-streaming in Kadıköy on Friday, June 6. The footage drew significant backlash on social media. Following the incident, 71-year-old Y.Z.A. was taken into custody. After completing procedures at the police station, the suspect was referred to the courthouse.

"MY HAND MAY HAVE BRUSHED AGAINST HER"

In his statement to the prosecutor's office, suspect Y.Z.A. said, "I absolutely did not commit sexual assault against the complainant. When we encountered each other on the day of the incident, she said 'Happy Holidays' to me, so I said 'Happy Holidays' back and kissed her hand. While we were waiting at the red lights, I did not touch the person's buttocks, but my hand may have brushed against her due to the crowd. Furthermore, when I encountered the person face-to-face, I tried to understand whether I had used any words, as I did not understand the expressions she was speaking. However, I did not engage in any act of sexual assault or harassment toward the complainant. If my actions and words were misunderstood, I apologize to her. I absolutely do not accept the accusations leveled against me," he said, requesting to be tried without arrest.

"I SAID 'HAPPY HOLIDAYS'"

During his interrogation by the judge, the suspect stated that he did not harass anyone, saying, "I didn't even understand what she was saying. I said to her, 'Happy Holidays.' I did not intentionally touch her in any way. There may have been contact because it was crowded."

Suspect Y.Z.A. was arrested following his statement to the judge.