Extorted About 840 Million Won Over 101 Occasions
"Foolish Decision Made to Raise Money for Drugs"
"I Will Reflect and Repent Every Day"
A female BJ who threatened singer and musical actor Kim Junsu, formerly of the group TVXQ, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison.
On the 16th, the prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence for a woman in her 30s, identified as A, who was indicted and detained on charges of blackmail under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, at a trial held by the 11th Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Oh Chang-seop). The prosecution explained, "The defendant extorted approximately 840 million won from the victim through a total of 101 instances by threatening the victim via social networking services (SNS) and demanding money."
Defense counsel for A stated, "The defendant appears to have repeatedly demanded money from the victim due to a foolish judgment to raise funds for drugs," adding, "She admits all charges in this case and is deeply remorseful." A also read a prepared letter of apology, saying, "I became involved in this unfortunate incident and ended up here. I reflect on my actions daily, wish to accept my punishment, and want to return to society as a respectable member." The next sentencing hearing is scheduled for the 6th of next month.
Previously, A was indicted and detained on charges of threatening Kim Junsu to extort money from September 2020 to October last year. It is reported that A threatened Kim Junsu by saying she would distribute illegally recorded conversations from their private relationship on SNS. In addition, A is currently on trial at the Seoul Central District Court for a drug-related case, and the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office is also investigating cases related to A.
After the incident was reported, Kim Junsu’s agency, Palm Tree Island, stated, "A continued to threaten that even a single false article could damage a celebrity’s image," and added, "Kim Junsu confirmed that he is not the only victim of A’s blackmail and decided to take legal action to prevent further harm." However, as rumors spread online, the agency issued a second statement warning, "We have retained the law firm Kim & Chang and will initiate strong legal action."
Meanwhile, Kim Junsu debuted in December 2003 as a member of the group TVXQ and released various hit songs such as "Believe," "Rising Sun," "O-Jung Ban Hap," "Balloon," and "Mirotic." In 2009, he filed a lawsuit to terminate his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment, left the group, and formed JYJ with Park Yoochun and Kim Jaejoong. He has also been active as a musical actor, appearing in productions such as "Mozart!," "Dracula," and "Death Note."
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