The prosecution has requested a 7-year prison sentence for a female BJ, referred to as A, who extorted over 800 million won from singer and musical actor Kim Junsu (Xiah Junsu), a former member of the group TVXQ, through threats.
During the sentencing hearing held on the 15th at the Uijeongbu District Court's Criminal Division 11 (Chief Judge Oh Chang-seop), the prosecution requested the court to impose a 7-year sentence on the 30-year-old internet broadcaster BJ A, who was arrested and indicted on charges of extortion under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.
A's lawyer argued, “The defendant has acknowledged her wrongdoing and expressed remorse since the beginning of the investigation. She was unable to make rational judgments due to drug use, including methamphetamine, and made foolish decisions to secure funds for drugs.”
The lawyer continued, “It was not her intention to extort from the beginning; she maintained a friendly relationship with the victim but resorted to crime after the relationship deteriorated. We ask the court to consider her apologies to the victim.”
In her final statement, A said, “I feel like I have driven a nail into my parents' hearts with this unfortunate incident, and it feels like my life is over. It breaks my heart to see my family visiting me every day,” adding, “I made incorrect judgments due to my ignorance, and I am ashamed of myself.”
The sentencing for A is scheduled for February 6.
A is accused of threatening Kim Junsu 101 times from September 2020 until last month, extorting goods worth 800 million won. It is reported that A recorded conversations with Kim Junsu for illegal purposes and threatened to distribute them on social media.
In relation to this, Kim Junsu's side stated, “Kim Junsu has never committed any illegal acts,” adding, “A continued these threats because Kim Junsu is a celebrity, exploiting public attention, and even though the suspect recognized that Kim Junsu had done nothing wrong, she did not stop her actions, taking advantage of his celebrity status.”
Kim Junsu has formed a duo called JX with Kim Jaejoong, also a former member of TVXQ, and has been actively engaged in broadcasting activities and concerts. He is also gaining significant popularity as a musical actor.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
