Court Sentences to Seven Years in Prison
"Serious Nature, Duration, and Method of the Crime"
"Economic and Psychological Harm... Petition for Severe Punishment"
A female BJ who threatened singer and musical actor Kim Junsu to extort money and other valuables was sentenced to seven years in prison.
On the 6th, the 11th Criminal Division of Uijeongbu District Court (Chief Judge Oh Chang-seop) sentenced a woman in her 30s, identified as A, who was arrested and indicted on charges of blackmail under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes for threatening Kim Junsu, to seven years in prison. The court stated, "The defendant recorded private conversations with the victim and took photos to keep, and when their relationship became distant, she decided to use this to extort money," adding, "The defendant has admitted all charges related to this case and all related evidence is recognized as guilty." Furthermore, the court explained, "The nature of the crime, the duration, and the method of victimization are serious," and "The victim suffered economic and psychological damage and has petitioned for severe punishment," as reasons for the sentencing.
Previously, A was arrested and indicted on charges of threatening Kim Junsu to extort money from September 2020 to October last year. It is known that A threatened Kim Junsu by saying she would distribute illegally recorded conversations on social networking services (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 damage." However, as rumors spread online, the agency released a second statement warning, "We have appointed the law firm Kim & Chang and will initiate strong legal action."
Subsequently, at the sentencing hearing held on the 16th of last month, the prosecution requested a seven-year prison sentence for A. The prosecution explained, "The defendant extorted approximately 840 million won from the victim through 101 instances of threats via social networking services (SNS)." A's defense attorney said, "The defendant appears to have repeatedly demanded money from the victim due to a foolish judgment to prepare for drug payments," and "She admits all charges in this case and is deeply remorseful." A herself read a prepared letter of apology, saying, "I got involved in an unfortunate incident and ended up here. I reflect on my actions every day, want to accept the punishment, and hope to return to society as a respectable member."
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