Ex-Girlfriend of Idol Sentenced for Blackmailing with Intimate Video

A former girlfriend of an idol has been sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years, for blackmailing him with an intimate video. According to recent reports, the Seoul Eastern District Court's 12th Criminal Division found B guilty of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (blackmail using filmed material) and property damage.

In addition to the suspended sentence, B has been ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment courses and is prohibited from working in child and youth-related institutions and facilities for the disabled for four years.

The court's ruling revealed that A and B were in a relationship from November 2020 to March 2022. After their breakup, B threatened A with a video recorded during their relationship. B reportedly created a fake social media account using A's photos to send messages demanding he quit his idol career, along with the intimate video. During a heated argument, B also damaged A's phone by throwing it.

While the court acknowledged the significant emotional distress caused to A, it considered B's acceptance of guilt, remorse, and the fact that A had expressed a desire to withdraw the complaint and did not wish for further punishment as mitigating factors in the sentencing.