On May 1, 2024, the Seoul High Court upheld the prison sentence for a female BJ (broadcast jockey) who was convicted of blackmailing singer Junsu.
The court’s decision came after the BJ’s appeal was rejected, maintaining the original sentence handed down in the first trial.
The female BJ had extorted a total of 840 million KRW (approximately 603,000 USD) from Junsu over the span of four years, from September 2020 to October 2024. The blackmail was carried out through 101 separate incidents.
The court emphasized the severity of the offense, pointing out the systematic nature of the crime and the significant emotional and financial impact it had on the victim.
The continued threats and demands for money caused Junsu extreme stress and depression, with the victim requesting a heavy sentence in response.
In the initial trial held in February 2024, the BJ was sentenced to seven years in prison. She appealed, arguing the sentencing was unfair, but the appeals court disagreed.
They affirmed the sentence, noting the long duration of the extortion and the large sums involved.
The court also ordered the confiscation of the BJ’s mobile devices, including a phone that contained private conversations with Junsu, due to concerns that returning the phone could cause further harm.
Following the court’s decision, the female BJ issued a public apology during the first trial in April, expressing remorse and vowing not to harm anyone again.
However, she filed another appeal with the Supreme Court on May 2, challenging the second trial’s ruling.
This case has garnered significant public attention, raising awareness about the severe consequences of extortion and the emotional toll such crimes take on victims.
