Credit: Hodu Entertainment, Yonhap News
Two women who were convicted of blackmailing the late actor Lee Sun Kyun and extorting hundreds of millions of won have received longer prison sentences in their appeals trial.
The Incheon District Court raised both women’s sentences in its July 16th ruling. A 31-year-old hostess club manager, who was previously sentenced to three years and six months in prison for blackmail, saw her sentence increased to five years and six months. She had been out on bail since June 26th but was taken into custody immediately following the verdict.
The second defendant, a 30-year-old former actress who had been sentenced to four years and two months, was given an even longer sentence of six years and six months.
The court noted that while the hostess club manager had admitted her wrongdoing and expressed remorse, her actions went far beyond. “She committed an act of betrayal against someone who trusted her,” the court stated. “She contributed to the circumstances that led to Lee’s death by deceiving Lee into believing he was involved in her drug-related investigation.”
The judge also emphasized that Lee’s family has not forgiven the woman, adding, “Her behavior raises doubts about whether she is truly remorseful.”
As for the former actress, the court condemned her for engaging in a malicious scheme to exploit the actor. She had purchased multiple fake SIM cards and used Lee’s private life as leverage to extort money from him. “This was a cruel crime committed without hesitation,” the court said. “She instilled extreme fear in Lee, which ultimately drove him to take his own life.”
The court also pointed to her prior convictions, noting, “She went on to commit another serious crime even after serving time for fraud. This shows a blatant disregard for the law.”
According to prosecutors, the hostess club manager called Lee in September 2023 and demanded 300 million won ($220,000), claiming she was being blackmailed over hacked phone data and needed hush money. She and the former actress lived in the same apartment complex and had a close relationship.
Separately, the club manager has a long criminal record, including six prior convictions related to drugs. She was sentenced to an additional year in prison last October for receiving ketamine and methamphetamine on three occasions between December 2022 and August 2023.
Lee Sun Kyun Extortion Suspect Released on Bail
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