Singer Kim Junsu's blackmailer appeals 7-year first conviction

Ms. A, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial for extorting money by threatening singer Kim Jun-soo, has appealed the sentence, saying it was too severe.

On Tuesday, the Seoul High Court's 10-1 Criminal Division held the first hearing in the appeal of BJ A, who was charged with violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Certain Economic Crimes (extortion). During the trial, Ms. A apologized to the victim and appealed for leniency, claiming that she was suffering from depression, panic disorder, and propofol addiction.

The Trial Chamber asked Ms. A if the letters were intended to threaten him, and he said that they were, but that they were not threatening. On appeal, Ms. A expressed remorse and said she would look forward to the Tribunal's decision.

Ms. A was charged with extorting approximately 840 million won ($840 million) from Kim Jun-su on 101 occasions between September 2020 and October 2024. She was sentenced to seven years in prison in the first trial, and the prosecution had sought the same sentence.