Seungri (real name Lee Seung Hyun, 31 years old), a former member of Big Bang, was sentenced to 3 years in prison.
He was indicted on 9 charges, including prostitution, habitual gambling, embezzlement, Act on Special Assault, etc.
On August 12, a sentencing hearing trial was held at the Common Military Court of Ground Operations Command in Yong In, Gyeonggi Province; the court sentenced Seungri to 3 years in prison and a fine of 1.156,9 billion won. Seungri was also arrested at the court to prevent him from escaping.
Seungri faced 9 charged: Violation of the Act on Prostitution, Prostitution Arrangements, Violation of the Special Act on Sexual Violence Crimes (Filming with cameras, etc.), Habitual Gambling, Violation of Foreign Exchange Transaction Act, Violation of Food Sanitation Act, Business Embezzlement, Act on Special Assault.
The judge rejected all of Seungri’s counterarguments, citing inconsistencies in Seungri’s statements. His statements related to CCTV and statements as a witness changed depending on surrounding situations.
The judge explained, “Until this court, Seungri had no reflective attitude. He denied most of the charges and put the blame on other people.”. The judge added, “He used to be a celebrity and made money through his popularity. He had a great influence on the public, especially the young people. However, he committed crimes.”
Moreover, in considering the motive of the crime, the judges cited that Seungri has no criminal record other than fines. However, he embezzled the dividends that were not stated in the fiscal year report as the largest shareholder of Burning Sun Entertainment. About the charge of the Act of Special Assault, the victim didn’t want to give punishment. However, the additional fines were decided due to his violation of the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act.
In the last trial held on the 1st of last month, Seungri cried. However, in this sentence hearing trial, he remained silent. The reading of the punishment took much time due to the number of charges; he looked tired and always lowered his head, touched his face, and pressed his eyes. When sentenced to prison, Seungri answered “Yes” in a trembling voice.
Seungri only admitted the charge of Violation of the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act and denied all other charges.
Seungri was scheduled to be discharged from the military next month. After the hearing sentencing trial, he was sentenced to prison and was arrested in court. If Seungri appeals against the sentence, the case will be transferred to the High Military Court of the Ground Operations Command.
