A female BJ (broadcast jockey), who was sentenced to seven years in prison for blackmailing singer and musical actor Kim Junsu and extorting 840 million KRW (approx. 610,000 USD), has refused to accept the appellate court's ruling and is taking the case to the Supreme Court.

On May 1, the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 10-1 upheld the lower court’s sentence, handing down a 7-year prison term to BJ “A” for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (Extortion).

However, on May 2, BJ A filed an appeal against the ruling.

The appellate court stated, “Considering the duration, method of the crime, and the amount of damage, the nature of the crime is extremely serious. The victim suffered extreme stress and depression due to the defendant’s continued threats and demands, and has requested a severe sentence.” The court also ordered the forfeiture of two confiscated mobile devices to prevent further harm.

BJ A, who was active on the video platform ‘SOOP’ (formerly AfreecaTV), was accused of threatening Kim Junsu 101 times between September 2020 and October 2024 and extorting a total of 840 million KRW. She reportedly used secretly recorded private conversations to threaten him with exposure on social media.

During the first trial, A’s legal team argued that she was addicted to propofol and had impaired judgment, claiming her actions were driven by desperation for drug money. They also cited her father’s battle with prostate cancer, stating some of the extorted funds were used for medical expenses. A submitted letters of apology and pleaded for leniency.

She also read a personal statement in court, saying, “This shameful incident devastated my family. Watching them visit me in detention daily has been painful. I was ignorant and made shameful decisions. I truly regret everything.”

The Uijeongbu District Court initially sentenced A to seven years in prison, the same term sought by prosecutors. Both the defendant and the prosecution appealed, leading to the second trial.

The appellate court noted, “After her relationship with the victim soured, the defendant used secretly recorded conversations and photos to extort money. Over four years and 101 attempts, she committed a serious offense.”

In the second trial, the prosecution again demanded a seven-year sentence. A’s lawyer asked for leniency, emphasizing her remorse and mental vulnerability. A, in her final statement, apologized to Kim Junsu, admitting to causing severe mental and financial harm due to her addiction and mental health struggles.

She added, “Even after the case ends, I will continue to write letters of apology. I swear I will never hurt the victim again. I accept the court’s ruling humbly and promise to rebuild my life by earning a caregiver’s certificate and serving people like my father, who is fighting cancer. I want to live a life of repentance and social contribution.”

The judge questioned A during sentencing, including inquiries about whether she had sent a threatening letter to Kim Junsu and whether she had leaked recordings to the media. A denied the threats but admitted to handing over material to a journalist two years ago.

Meanwhile, Kim Junsu previously commented on the case, saying, “I see it as my own mistake. Since the incident, I no longer meet people outside of business matters. In a way, I’m grateful to her — I’ve sworn never to put myself in such situations again.”

His agency, PALMTREE ISLAND, also stated, “BJ A recorded conversations with Kim Junsu for unlawful purposes and threatened to spread them online. She claimed, ‘Even if it’s not true, one article can ruin a celebrity’s image. Kim Junsu hasn’t been able to appear on broadcasts and his image is permanently damaged. Meanwhile, I have nothing to lose.’ She continued her threats based on this belief.”

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