The female BJ (broadcast jockey or streamer), who was charged with blackmailing singer Junsu and extorting money, had her prison sentence upheld in the appeals trial.

On May 1, the Seoul High Court’s 10-1 Criminal Division (Presiding Judges Lee Sang Ho, Lee Jae Shin, and Jung Hyun Kyung) held the appeals sentencing hearing for the BJ, who was accused of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (extortion).

The female BJ was found to have blackmailed Junsu from September 2020 to October 2024, extorting a total of 840 million KRW (approximately 603,000 USD) throughout 101 incidents.

In the initial trial this past February, she was sentenced to seven years in prison. The BJ appealed on the grounds of unfair sentencing, while the prosecution appealed, citing a misinterpretation of the law.

The appellate court stated, “The defendant systematically blackmailed the victim, extorting a large sum of money over 101 times across nearly four years,” and emphasized, “Considering the duration of the crime, the methods used, and the amount extorted, the severity of the offense is extremely high.”

They added, “Due to the ongoing threats and financial demands, the victim was unable to lead a normal life and suffered from extreme stress and depression. The victim has requested a heavy sentence,” explaining the basis for their ruling.

The court also ordered the additional confiscation of the BJ’s mobile devices, including a phone containing private conversations with Kim Junsu, citing concerns that returning the phone could cause further harm.

The judge stated, “One confiscated mobile phone and one smartphone device are subject to forfeiture under Article 48, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the Criminal Act. Therefore, the prosecution’s appeal is valid.”

During the first trial in April, the female BJ stated, “I sincerely apologize and ask for forgiveness from the victim, who was hurt and distressed because of me,” and added, “I swear on my life that I will never cause harm again.”

On May 2, the BJ filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, objecting to the second trial’s ruling.

SEE ALSO: Producer Yoon Il Sang speaks out on NewJeans controversy "Contracts are not a joke"