Former Actress and Nightclub Manager Sentenced for Blackmailing Deceased Actor Lee Sun-kyun

Sentencing in High-Profile Blackmail Case Involving Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun

On December 19, Judge Hong Eun-sook presided over a significant ruling in the Incheon District Court’s Criminal Division 4, delivering sentences to two defendants in a notorious blackmail case involving the late actor Lee Sun-kyun. The nightclub manager, identified as A, received a sentence of 3 years and 6 months in prison. In contrast, B, a former actress also implicated in the scandal, was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months.

Court Findings and Statements

During the proceedings, the court revealed that A had independently set the blackmail amount at 300 million won. It dismissed A’s defense claim that B was responsible for orchestrating the extortion, emphasizing that “it is difficult to accept A’s assertion that B directed or gaslighted the blackmail.” Furthermore, the court underscored the psychological turmoil experienced by the victim, identifying Lee Sun-kyun as a public figure likely wracked with fear and distress due to the actions of A and B.

Impact of Blackmail on the Victim

The court also noted a tragic outcome linked to the case. Following the public revelation of Lee Sun-kyun’s drug investigation, he took his own life. While the judge acknowledged that multiple factors contributed to this outcome, it was clear that the defendants’ actions had an undeniable impact on the victim’s mental state.

Mitigating Circumstances

Before announcing the penalties, the court did consider certain mitigating factors. It recognized that A had also been a victim of B’s threats, which may have partially influenced A’s willingness to partake in the blackmail. In addition, the court acknowledged that B had shown remorse for her actions and had minor children to support, which was factored into the sentencing decision.

Prosecutorial Recommendations

Prior to these rulings, prosecutors had aimed for more severe penalties, seeking a seven-year prison sentence for each defendant. A was arrested and charged in September for extorting 300 million won during a phone call with Lee Sun-kyun. Subsequent police investigations revealed that B had acted as the hacker who intimidated A during the initial blackmail scheme.

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