Blackmailers of late actor Lee Sun-kyun convicted in ongoing drug probe

The famous South Korean actorLee Sun-kyun, who won an Oscar for his role in the film “Parasite,” died last year. His death came after he was dropped from several projects and was at the center of a drug investigation. The case is being pursued by authorities and recently they discovered a blackmail scheme linked to his death.
Among those arrested and subsequently convicted were a nightclub manager and a former actress who extorted money from Lee. The Criminal Division 4 of the Incheon District Court sentenced the latter, a former actress named “Person B”, to four years and two months in prison for extortion of 300 million won (about ₹1 crore), while The nightclub owner referred to as “Person A” was sentenced to three years and six months in prison by the Criminal Division 4 of the Incheon District Court.
According to “Chosun”, the court maintained that the ransom amount was the choice of this individual A. The court rejected person A’s claim that person B lit or manipulated it. “As a result of the actions of Person A, the victim, the star actor must have been frightened and experiencing extreme psychological anguish,” the court said. He also noted that person B had outright threatened the victim, which had exacerbated her suffering.
The court ruled that Lee died after his drug investigation became public. Although other factors may have been involved, the court found that the defendants’ actions contributed significantly to his mental anguish leading to his death.
Person A allegedly acted under duress, as he had been threatened by person B. However, person B admitted his guilt and apologized. The court also took into account the fact that person B has young children who must depend on her, when deciding on the sentence.
Lee Sun-kyun made his first public appearance since the allegations came to light in early October 2023 to face the media before meeting his tragic end. Regarding the drug crimes, he apologized for disappointing fans and people who believed in him. Lee Sun-kyun made public appearances for the first time after the allegations surfaced since early October 2023 to answer questions from the press before the tragic end. Regarding drug crimes, he apologized to fans and people who trusted him. “I’m really, really sorry for disappointing them all,” he lamented, immersed in remorse. “I will cooperate fully with the investigation and respond honestly to all inquiries.”
Lee’s death caused shock among fans and the entertainment world, casting a dark shadow over an otherwise stellar career. Important milestones marked by the convictions handed down against his blackmailers mark the evolution of the situation while investigations into the circumstances of his death continue.