A TV writer has been sentenced to nine years in prison for defrauding Shinhwa member Lee Min-woo out of approximately 2.6 billion KRW (about $2 million). The Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 3 upheld the original sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the defendant’s lack of remorse.
According to Newsis, the court maintained the order for the defendant to confiscate and return the 2.6 billion KRW to Lee Min-woo. The presiding judge, Lee Chang-hyung, highlighted the psychological manipulation and intimidation tactics used by the defendant, which led to Lee Min-woo’s emotional dependency.
The court criticized the defendant’s implausible excuses and failure to provide restitution, underscoring the gravity of the fraud. Despite the defendant’s lack of prior convictions, the court deemed the nine-year sentence appropriate given the circumstances.
The fraud occurred in 2019 when the defendant approached Lee Min-woo, promising to help him avoid charges of sexual misconduct in exchange for money. At the time, Lee Min-woo was facing allegations of molesting two women at a bar in Gangnam, Seoul. The defendant, leveraging a prior acquaintance with Lee Min-woo, claimed to have connections in the prosecution to secure a no-charge decision, leading Lee Min-woo to hand over the money and luxury items.
Although Lee Min-woo was eventually cleared of the molestation charges due to insufficient evidence, the financial and emotional toll on him was significant. Lee Min-woo subsequently sued the defendant, resulting in charges of fraud and violations of the Attorney-at-Law Act.
During the trial, Lee Min-woo’s side argued that he had been gaslighted and mentally abused by the defendant, while the defendant contended they had merely borrowed money from Lee Min-woo.
This case underscores the severe consequences of fraud and the importance of accountability, especially when significant financial and emotional distress is involved. The upholding of the nine-year sentence reflects the court’s commitment to justice and deterrence against similar crimes in the future.
