The Incheon District Court has handed down harsher sentences to two women convicted of blackmailing the late actor Lee Sun-kyun, in a high-profile case that has shocked the South Korean entertainment industry.
On July 16, the court’s Criminal Appeals Division 3, presided over by Judge Choi Seong-bae, overturned the original rulings and issued increased prison terms:
- A, a bar manager in her 30s, was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months, up from the original 3 years and 6 months.
- B, a former actress also in her 30s, received 6 years and 6 months, increased from her original 4 years and 2 months.
Both were taken into custody immediately after the ruling. A had previously been released on bail but was remanded following the appeal verdict.
Case Background
In September 2023, A contacted Lee Sun-kyun claiming her phone had been hacked and requested ₩300 million (approx. $220,000) to keep damaging information secret. She received the money from the actor under false pretenses.
It was later discovered that the alleged hacker was B, A’s acquaintance and former actress. B impersonated a hacker using an illegal SIM card after learning of A’s drug use and her connection to Lee Sun-kyun. When her plan to extort Lee Sun-kyun through A failed, B directly demanded ₩100 million, eventually extorting ₩50 million herself.
Court’s Explanation
The court noted that A exploited Lee Sun-kyun’s trust and contributed significantly to his emotional distress, which may have influenced his tragic decision. The panel highlighted that Lee Sun-kyun’s surviving family continues to suffer severe pain and trauma.
Regarding B, the court emphasized her intentional deception and escalation of criminal behavior. Initially attempting to benefit through A’s scheme, she later carried out extortion herself when the former plan failed. The court criticized her for targeting a public figure highly sensitive to public perception, suggesting that her actions likely exacerbated the pressures that led to Lee Sun-kyun’s death.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The case has drawn widespread attention in South Korea, particularly following Lee Sun-kyun’s death in December 2023 amid allegations related to drug use and ongoing blackmail. Lee Sun-kyun, best known internationally for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite”, was found deceased in his car in what authorities ruled as suicide.
The court’s decision to raise the sentences reflects a stern stance against exploiting public figures and abusing personal trust for financial gain. It also underscores growing public concern about cyber exploitation, privacy violations, and the devastating impact such crimes can have on individuals.