Rental Car Company Found Guilty of Extorting K-Pop Stars Using Dash Cam Footage

Conviction of Rental Car Operator for Blackmailing K-Pop Idols

A significant ruling has emerged from the Incheon District Court, where a rental car operator has been found guilty of extorting K-pop idols. This decision stems from allegations that the defendant attempted to blackmail these individuals by threatening to release dash cam footage capturing private interactions between a female idol and her male counterpart.

Details of the Case

On October 18, 2024, the Criminal Division 14 of the court sentenced the individual, referred to only by the initial “C, ”to eight months in prison, though this sentence has been suspended for two years. In addition to the suspended prison time, C has been ordered to complete 120 hours of community service.

The criminal actions began in February 2024, when C rented a minivan to a member of a well-known K-pop girl group. After the vehicle was returned, C discovered footage from the dash cam that showcased private moments of the idols in the back seat. Instead of erasing the material, C exploited the situation for financial gain.

Blackmail Attempts and Demands

Using the Chinese messaging platform WeChat, C sent alarming messages insinuating that the footage would be shared publicly unless demands were met. He specifically referenced the male idol’s group to amplify the pressure, ultimately demanding a ransom that equated to half the purchase price of the vehicle—approximately 23.5 million won ($16, 400).

Victim’s Response

Under intense fear of public scandal, the victim, a member of the girl group, made three payments totaling 9, 793, 000 won (around $9, 800) to C. The initial transfers were delivered in Chinese yuan—20, 000 yuan ($2, 800) and 30, 000 yuan ($4, 200)—followed by a cash payment of 500, 000 won ($350), handed over in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The prosecution charged C with extortion, a serious offense that could result in penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a fine reaching 20 million won ($14, 000).In his verdict, Judge Gong Woo-jin highlighted that C had committed the crime while already on a suspended sentence for a previous offense, labeling his behavior as “highly reprehensible.”However, the court noted that a significant portion of the extorted funds had been returned, and C had shown remorse, which influenced the ruling.

Implications for Privacy Rights

This case has raised crucial discussions among legal experts regarding the need for enhanced privacy protections for public figures. As highlighted in various analyses, when personal data recording occurs without consent, there can be severe implications for individuals’ reputations and personal lives. The conclusion of this case solidifies the urgency for legal frameworks that guard against such vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The court’s ruling has now become final, and C is required to complete his community service. He must also avoid any criminal activities during his two-year probationary period to prevent serving time in prison. This case serves as a wake-up call to both the entertainment industry and the wider society about the importance of personal privacy and the potential consequences of its violation.

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Rental car operator guilty of extorting idol couple with dashcam footage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXmX7RsHGBY)

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