Lee Ji Yeon and Dahee's Appeal Successful; Put on Probation for Blackmailing Lee Byung Hun

Model Lee Ji Yeon and girl group GLAM‘s Dahee were sentenced to over a year in jail in January for blackmailing actor Lee Byung Hun, but they have successfully appealed the ruling and have now received reduced punishments.

At their appeal hearing on March 5, Lee Ji Yeon and Dahee tearfully apologized to Lee Byung Hun and his family. “Our actions were foolish,” they stated. They then posted bail on March 9 and were released after having spent six months in jail.

On March 26, the court responded to their appeal by announcing their decision to annul the original ruling.

The judge listed the reasons why their original sentences were ruled too severe: “The first reason is that the victim has submitted a statement to the court requesting that the defendants be pardoned. Secondly, the crime was only attempted and not carried out. Thirdly, the two defendants also appear to have deeply reflected upon their wrongdoings during the six months that they were detained. In addition, they are first time offenders. Lastly, the older victim had made sexual jokes towards the young defendants.”

While the two are still facing their original prison terms (one year and two months for Lee Ji Yeon and one year for Dahee), their sentences have been suspended for two years during which they are to remain under probation. It is therefore possible that they may not have to serve their prison sentences if their behavior is deemed acceptable during their two years probation.

Meanwhile, Lee Byung Hun has been staying out of the limelight as he and his wife prepare for the birth of their first child in April.