Former EXO member Kris Wu sentenced to 13 years for sexual assault

Former EXO member Kris Wu, whose real name is Wu Yi Fan [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Former EXO member Kris Wu, whose real name is Wu Yi Fan, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being investigated on multiple allegations of sexual assault in China, China Central Television (CCTV) reported Friday.

The Beijing court dismissed the Chinese-Canadian singer’s appeal regarding his indictment on charges of rape and group obscenity. China adopts a two-trial system, so the second court’s decision is final.

“Wu took advantage of the situation by having sex with a number of female victims who were drunk, which constitutes as rape,” the court said. “It is also tantamount to group obscenity, as he is the main culprit in gathering people to engage in promiscuous acts. The facts admitted by the original ruling are clear, and the evidence is obvious and sufficient.”

Accusations against Wu involve raping three women, including a drunk woman, in his home in December 2020. He is also being charged with committing obscene acts with multiple people in his home in July 2018.

He has been detained since July 31, 2021, and has since been undergoing investigations and put on trial.

In China, formal arrests are authorized when there is strong evidence supporting the charges, when the suspect is likely to receive a prison sentence or if the suspect poses a threat to society.

In the first trial last November, Wu was sentenced to 11 years and six months for rape and 1 year and 10 months for group obscenity, totalling 13 years in prison.

The court also ordered that Wu be deported from China once he finishes his sentence.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]