Former fencing star Nam Hyun-hee, 44, has been cleared of allegations that she abetted a fraud scheme run by her ex, Jeon Cheong-jo.
According to materials released by Nam’s attorney, Son Su-ho, prosecutors concluded Nam did not recognize the crimes as they unfolded and was “closer to a victim who was used by Jeon.”
The Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office recently issued a non-indictment decision on suspicions of aiding fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes and violating the law regulating the concealment of criminal proceeds. In its decision, the office said there wasn’t enough evidence that Nam knew about Jeon’s scam or other illegal conduct, adding that she had largely been exploited by Jeon.
Nam had faced speculation that she helped Jeon solicit investments while posing as an out-of-wedlock third-generation chaebol heir, and that some illicit proceeds flowed through accounts in her name or were used to rent luxury housing and vehicles. Jeon is serving a 13-year prison sentence―finalized by the Supreme Court last November―for a fraud scheme totaling roughly 3 billion won, as well as assaulting Nam’s nephew.
Even after the non-indictment, the online pile-on hasn’t let up. Calling it “another form of harm,” Nam said, “Baseless speculation and gossip keep getting recycled, and the malicious comments just pour in. Mocking and blaming a victim isn’t just an opinion―it’s harm.”
She added, “Hiding behind a keyboard doesn’t erase responsibility. Every word can leave a deep scar on a real person. The anger and sadness I feel are completely justified. It’s been incredibly hard. Please stop the malicious comments.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)