"I'll Help Prove Innocence"...Broadcast Writer Who Extorted 2.6 Billion Won from Shinhwa's Lee Min-woo Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

Court: "Psychological domination and only unacceptable excuses"

A broadcasting writer who deceived Lee Min-woo, a member of the group Shinhwa, by promising to clear him of sexual assault charges and embezzled 2.6 billion won was sentenced to a heavy prison term again in the second trial.

The Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Lee Chang-hyung, Nam Ki-jung, Yoo Je-min) on the 9th sentenced broadcasting writer Choi, who was indicted on charges including fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, to 9 years in prison, the same as in the first trial, and ordered him to compensate approximately 2.636 billion won.

Group Shinhwa member Lee Min-woo. [Photo by Yonhap News]

The court recognized that Choi gaslighted Lee to embezzle money. The court pointed out, "At the time of the incident, Choi psychologically dominated the victim, and the victim was psychologically intimidated," adding, "Choi repeatedly made derogatory remarks toward the victim, and the victim even heard Choi's words as auditory hallucinations when alone."

It further explained the sentencing reason, saying, "While Choi consistently gave unreasonable excuses, the victim lost all the property he had accumulated throughout his life, and no restitution has been made."

Lee was booked by the police in June 2019 on charges of forcible sexual assault and was sent to the prosecution with an indictment opinion. Choi, who had been a longtime acquaintance, demanded money from Lee in exchange for a favor, claiming, "I have connections within the prosecution and will help you receive a dismissal."

In December of the same year, when the prosecution dismissed Lee's case and the fact was reported, Choi demanded additional money, saying, "The prosecutors who received the money are in a difficult situation and are trying to reverse the dismissal." Lee Min-woo handed over a total of about 2.6 billion won over 26 months, even taking out loans using his house as collateral. He also gave Choi 218 luxury items he owned.

However, Choi had no connections with the prosecutors at all. After losing all his assets, Lee eventually sued Choi. During the trial, Lee's side claimed that he was subjected to gaslighting or mental abuse by Choi at the time. Choi, who was brought to trial, completely denied the charges.