Somyi, a former member of the K-pop girl group DIA, has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison for making false sexual assault accusations against her agency CEO. The shocking turn of events comes after the Seoul Central District Court unveiled crucial CCTV footage that directly contradicted Somyi’s claims.

From Accusation to Conviction

The case first came to light when Somyi, whose real name is Ahn So-mi, accused her CEO, identified only as “B,” of sexual assault. Mr. B’s company manages several broadcast jockeys, including Somyi, who transitioned to become an adult broadcaster on Panda TV after leaving DIA in 2022.

Somyi’s allegations sent shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry. She claimed that Mr. B had assaulted her in his office, prompting her to flee in distress. However, the court proceedings revealed a very different story.

CCTV Footage Reveals a Different Story

The turning point in the case came with the release of CCTV footage from Mr. B’s office. The video showed Somyi leaving the office calmly, directly contradicting her claims of being pushed out after an assault. Further footage obtained by JTBC painted an even more startling picture. Instead of fleeing in fear, the video showed Somyi relaxing on a couch, applying makeup, smoking an electronic cigarette, and displaying no signs of distress.

Inconsistent Statements and Demands for Money Raise Doubts

The inconsistencies between Somyi’s initial claims and the video evidence were not the only factors that weighed against her. During the trial, Mr. B’s lawyers presented evidence suggesting that Somyi had expressed intentions to demand a substantial settlement amount from Mr. B. This raised serious questions about Somyi’s motives and further undermined the credibility of her accusations.

Justice Served? The Impact of False Accusations

In the end, the court found Somyi’s claims to be entirely contradicted by the CCTV footage and other evidence. She was sentenced to prison for making false accusations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of filing false sexual assault reports. True victims of assault are often hesitant to come forward for fear of not being believed. False accusations can erode public trust and make it even more difficult for genuine victims to find justice.

The case of Somyi also highlights the importance of thorough investigations. The CCTV footage in this case provided clear and undeniable evidence that helped to expose the false accusations. In the absence of such evidence, the outcome could have been very different.