The blackmail case involving late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun has taken another turn as prosecutors push for strict punishment. On May 21, 2025, the Incheon District Court held an appeal hearing for the two suspects accused of extorting money from the Parasite star before his tragic death.
Prosecutors requested a 7-year prison sentence for Kim, a bar hostess, who was the main suspect in the case. The court upheld the earlier verdict of 3.5 years for Kim and 4 years and 2 months for Park, a former actress. Both were found guilty of blackmailing Lee Sun-kyun for a total of 350 million won ($250,000).
Kim had six prior drug convictions and was already serving a 1-year sentence for drug use. She allegedly threatened Lee, claiming her phone was hacked and demanding 300 million won to keep quiet about their association. Park, her accomplice, posed as a hacker to extort 50 million won directly from Lee.
The court stated, “The defendants’ actions caused severe mental pain to the victim, contributing to his death.” Lee Sun-kyun, who maintained his innocence in a separate drug investigation, was found dead in an apparent suicide in December 2023.
Lee had been under intense police scrutiny after being accused of drug use based on testimonies from Kim and Park. Despite four negative drug tests, media leaks and public shaming took a heavy toll on him. His death sparked outrage over South Korea’s harsh drug laws and aggressive police investigations.
The blackmail scheme began when Park pretended to have evidence of Kim’s drug use and connection to Lee. When Kim failed to pay, Park directly threatened Lee, leading to the extortion. Police later found that Park had fabricated the hacking claims.
Lee’s legal team argued that he was a victim of extortion, not a drug user. His friend, film producer Jang Won-seok, said, “He was pushed to the absolute bottom by character assassination.” The case highlighted how South Korean celebrities face severe backlash over drug allegations, even without proof.
South Korea has strict anti-drug laws, and celebrities accused of drug use often lose endorsements and careers. Actor Yoo Ah-in, currently on trial for drug charges, has also faced industry blacklisting. The government’s intensified drug crackdown has led to a 120% increase in arrests since 2018.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the blackmail charges but stops short of the prosecution’s demand. Legal experts say the case underscores flaws in how high-profile suspects are treated.
“Once a famous person is publicly named, the investigation becomes biased,” said Kim Hee-jun, a former narcotics prosecutor. “Police feel pressured to deliver results, even without strong evidence.”
Lee Sun-kyun’s death has led to calls for reforms in South Korea’s justice and media systems. His family and colleagues continue to seek accountability for the leaks and harassment that preceded his passing.
Credits: Reports from The Korea Herald, Straits Times, and LA Times.
