Former Manager Accused of Blackmailing Comedian Park Na-rae Denies Most Charges at First Trial

The former manager of comedian Park Na-rae, who was indicted and detained on charges of blackmailing her, denied most of the charges during the first trial.

During the trial held by Judge Kim Soo-kyung of Criminal Division 4 at the Seoul Western District Court regarding the former manager surnamed Shin, who faces charges including violation of the Act on the Punishment of Violences, etc., Shin's legal representatives claimed that demanding money from Park was a legitimate exercise of rights, such as claiming severance pay.

They denied the related charges, stating that there was no intent to commit blackmail or unlawfully acquire money.

Shin is accused of demanding 250 million won, equivalent to 10 percent of the company's revenue, under the guise of an incentive, and threatening that if the money was not paid, he would expose her private life to the media, including allegations of personal insults, sexual harassment, and proxy prescriptions for medication.

According to the investigation, after Park's side refused to provide the money, Shin tipped off news outlets about the allegations and repeatedly demanded money from Park's side, but ultimately failed to receive the funds.

In addition, Shin is accused of embezzling approximately 44 million won of funds from Park's company, such as transferring money from Park's corporate account to a corporate account he operated without authorization, and receiving a contract deposit that should have gone to Park into his own corporate account.

During today's hearing, Shin's side only partially admitted to the embezzlement charges, claiming that the transfers were made with Park's consent.

Another former manager, surnamed Lee, who was indicted without detention on charges of joint extortion alongside Shin, is scheduled to state his position on the charges during the next trial.

Park filed a complaint with the police last December, alleging that Shin and others made false claims, demanded a large sum of money in exchange for silence, and committed embezzlement.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.