Female BJ Arrested and Indicted for Extorting 800 Million Won from Kim Junsu through Blackmail: "Threatened to Spread on Social Media"

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The Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office has arrested and indicted BJ A, a female AfreecaTV streamer in her 30s, for persistently blackmailing and extorting a significant amount of money from popular singer and musical actor Kim Junsu.

The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, revealing the systematic and prolonged exploitation of a celebrity.

Details of the Crime and Scale of Damage

The investigation revealed that A meticulously planned her crimes. Over five years, from September 2020 to November 2023, she extorted 800 million won through 101 instances of blackmail.

Notably, A approached Kim by pretending to be a nail artist, secretly recorded their conversations, and used the threat of spreading the recordings on social media as leverage.

Nature of the Threats

According to statements from Kim Junsu's representatives, A exploited the vulnerability of celebrities, saying, "Even a single false article can ruin a celebrity's image."

Her psychological manipulation was exacerbated by her assertion that she "had nothing to lose," a factor that reportedly forced Kim into prolonged silence.

Additional Charges and Criminal Background

Of particular concern is that A is also currently on trial in the Seoul Central District Court for drug-related charges.

This points to a pattern of antisocial behavior that extends beyond a single incident, highlighting the multifaceted and persistent nature of her criminal activities.

Victim’s Legal Response

Kim Junsu's agency, Palm Tree Island, released an official statement emphasizing that Kim is "clearly the victim" in this case.

The agency also raised the possibility of additional victims due to A's actions and strongly asserted that Kim has not engaged in any illegal or unethical behavior.

Prosecutors’ Stance

The prosecution has expressed its firm commitment to holding A accountable.

A statement from the prosecution declared, "We will ensure the punishment is commensurate with the crime and carry out the indictment with no gaps." This proactive approach is expected to serve as a warning against similar crimes in the future.

Implications of the Case

This case underscores the severity of blackmail and extortion crimes targeting celebrities.

The method of threatening to release private information via social media is a new crime trend in the digital age, necessitating urgent legal and institutional measures to address it.

Prosecutors are currently bolstering their evidence and investigating the possibility of additional victims.

In the entertainment industry, this case has sparked calls for the establishment of systematic measures to protect artists from such crimes.