The Woman Who Blackmailed Famous Kpop Idol For Over $500,000 Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison

A female BJ [broadcasting jockey] who blackmailed musical actor Kim Junsu has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.

According to Chosun Ilbo, the 11th Criminal Division of the Uijeongbu District Court sentenced the woman, identified as Ms. A, in her 30s, to seven years in prison on February 6 for blackmail under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes Act.

The court stated, “The defendant recorded private conversations and took photos with the intent to exploit the victim when their relationship weakened. The method and duration of the crime, as well as the nature of the offense, were very serious. The victim suffered financial and emotional damage and is pleading for severe punishment.”

Ms. A, who was active on the video platform Soop (formerly AfreecaTV), was indicted for blackmailing Kim Junsu 101 times between September 2020 and October of last year, extorting approximately 840 million won (around $580,000).

It was revealed that Ms. A illegally recorded private conversations with Kim Junsu during their personal interactions and threatened to release them on social media.

Kim Junsu reportedly met Ms. A, believing she was a nail artist, and endured five years of extortion before filing a complaint.

Ms. A’s legal team claimed, “She was addicted to propofol, which impaired her judgment. She committed the crime to fund her drug use. She is remorseful and did not intentionally approach the victim with a plan to record him. Additionally, part of the money was used to cover her father’s medical expenses for prostate cancer.”

Kim Junsu’s agency commented, “Despite being a clear victim, Ms. A continued her threats solely because Kim Junsu is a celebrity. We will take strong measures against such acts that abuse public attention.”

Do you think the sentence was too light or too harsh?

Source: (A)