Late Lee Sun-kyun’s blackmailers sentenced to prison terms in ongoing drug case

Last update:December 20, 2024, 11:00 AM IST

Two individuals, a former actress and a nightclub manager, have been arrested for blackmailing Parasite star Lee Sun-kyun before his tragic death in 2023.

Last year, actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film Parasite, was found dead in his car, just weeks after being dropped from several projects. His death prompted an investigation into his drug use. Since then, authorities have continued the investigation. Recently, two individuals, a former actress and a nightclub manager, were arrested for blackmailing Lee. The 4th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court ordered the nightclub manager, identified as A, to stay in prison for three years and six months. Accused B, a former actress, was sentenced to a prison term of four years and two months for extorting WON 300 million (around Rs 1 crore) from the South Korean actor.

According to Chosun’s reports, the court said: “Person A himself set the amount he wanted to demand from the victim at 300 million won. It is difficult to believe, as Person A claims, that Person B ordered extortion or engaged in gaslighting. As a result of Person A’s actions, the victim, a famous actor, likely suffered fear and extreme mental distress. Person B also directly threatened the victim, thereby adding to their mental suffering. The victim ended her life after news of the drug investigation became public. Although other factors may have contributed, extortion by the accused cannot be denied as the cause of the victim’s death. »

The court further added that person A had acted under pressure after receiving threats from person B. While deciding the sentence, the court also explained that person B had admitted his mistakes and regretted his actions . It was also considered that Person B had young children who were dependent on them.

After the case against Lee Sun-kyun was filed in 2023, he made his first public appearance in October. According to KoreaBoo, the actor spoke to the media about the drug-related accusations and apologized for his actions to the public. Lee felt guilty that he had let down a lot of people, especially those who had supported and trusted him for years. He promised to fully cooperate with the investigation and be honest throughout the process. He also assured that he would answer all questions truthfully during the police investigation.