On May 21, the appeal trial for a 31-year-old female manager, referred to as “A,” took place at the Incheon District Court Criminal Appeals Division 3. A is facing serious charges for threatening and extorting money from the late actor Lee Sun Kyun.
The prosecution is advocating for a seven-year prison sentence, pointing out this was the original sentence issued in the earlier trial. They urged the court to “overturn the verdict and sentence them according to the original verdict.”
In her closing arguments, attorney A emphasized her client’s remorse, stating, “The defendant is reflecting on her mistakes, saying that they were threatened by an unknown blackmailer and made a wrong choice due to fear.” She continued, explaining that the co-defendant’s threats were central to the crime and noted that the media scrutiny surrounding her client is intensifying the backlash.
A’s attorney urged the court to consider the context:
> “Please understand that a separate trial is held for the crime the defendant was not involved in when sentencing. Please also clarify if anything in the original judgment was illegal.”
In her final statement, A expressed deep remorse, declaring, “Although the trial ends, I will try my best to repay the victim’s bereaved family for the rest of my life. I apologize once again to the bereaved family.”
While some netizens feel the requested prison sentence is excessive, the general sentiment leans toward ensuring a fair sentence regardless of gender. Commentary online highlights a prevailing concern about equitable justice. Comments ranged from calls for legal reform to criticisms of perceived biases based on gender.
– “If the law isn’t fair, then it isn’t the law,” one user noted.
– Another expressed surprise at the pushback against A’s sentence, pointing out, “Don’t they know people like them are the ones that bring down women’s rights?”
Meanwhile, the case of another co-defendant, a 30-year-old former actress known as “B,” was postponed due to her lawyer’s absence. In a previous trial last year, A was sentenced to three years and six months for her role in the extortion, while B received a slightly longer sentence of four years and two months.
As the legal proceedings continue, this case remains a focal point for public discussion, raising critical questions about justice, accountability, and the influence of gender in the courtroom.
