Yang Hyun-suk, the executive producer of YG Entertainment who was brought to trial on suspicion of covering up the investigation of former iKON member B.I(Kim Han-bin), received a suspended prison sentence from the Supreme Court.

On the 18th, the Supreme Court’s 1st Division(Chief Justice Yong-ju Ma)confirmed the original sentence of 6 months in prison and 1 year of probation for Yang Hyun-suk, who was indicted on charges of coercing a meeting under the Aggravated Punishment, etc.of Specific Crimes Act.

Yang Hyun-suk was brought to trial in August 2016 on charges of attempting to cover up the investigation by coaxing and threatening whistleblower A regarding allegations that former YG Entertainment group iKON member B.I.(Kim Han-bin)purchased and inhaled drugs.

Initially, the prosecution indicted Yang Hyun-suk on charges of retaliatory threats under the Special Act, but after he was found not guilty in the first trial, the prosecution added the charge of coercing a meeting as a secondary charge in addition to the main(peripheral)charge in the second trial and obtained a guilty verdict.

After the ruling, Yang Hyun-suk stated through his agency YG Entertainment, “I feel regretful, but I humbly accept it.”

He continued, “Regarding the ‘revenge threat crime’ that he was initially indicted for, both the first and second trials resulted in a not guilty verdict, but during the second trial, the prosecution changed the facts of the indictment to the unfamiliar crime of ‘coercing an interview,’ and so after a long legal debate lasting 5 years and 8 months, the Supreme Court’s final ruling was received.”

Yang Hyun-suk also said, “From now on, I will devote myself to my original duties with a more careful and responsible attitude.”


Initially, the prosecution indicted former CEO Yang on charges of retaliatory threats under the Special Act, but after he was found not guilty in the first trial, the prosecution added the charge of coercing a meeting as a secondary charge in addition to the main(peripheral)charge in the second trial and obtained a guilty verdict.



Reporter Lee Jeong- annjoy@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.