Court sentences mother to 10 months in first trial

She swindled 31 million won ($23,200) from an acquaintance under guise of investment

Court cites "remorse and health condition"

Yook pleads for leniency, saying money was for "living expenses"

Jang Yun-jeong. (Photo courtesy of IOK Company)
Jang Yun-jeong. (Photo courtesy of IOK Company)

A court sentenced a 70-year-old woman identified as Yook, the mother of singer Jang Yun-jeong, to 10 months in prison for swindling money from acquaintances by invoking her daughter's name. Yook had previously been detained on similar charges, but the court took her health condition into account in determining the sentence.

Presiding Judge Seo Beom-jun of the Seoul Eastern District Court's Criminal Division 2 sentenced Yook, who had been detained on fraud charges, to 10 months in prison Thursday.

The court explained the reasoning behind its sentencing, saying, "Considering the defendant's admission and confession, the victim's statement, and the defendant's bank transaction records, all of the charges are found to be guilty." It added, "Given the method and outcome of the crime, its nature is serious, and the victim has not been compensated."

The court then said, "She was sentenced to three years in prison in 2018 and recently received a summary order for fraud as well," but added that it "took into account her admission of the crime and remorse, along with the fact that her poor health makes it difficult for her to engage in economic activity."

According to prosecutors, Yook used her relationship with her daughter to receive 31 million won from an acquaintance in three installments between 2024 and 2025, under the pretext of investment funds. She is accused of failing to return the promised profits afterward.

Earlier, at her closing trial last month, Yook wept and said, "I wronged the victim." At the time, her defense pleaded for leniency, citing that most of the swindled funds had been used for living expenses. Yook reportedly submitted a letter of repentance to the court ahead of the first-trial sentencing.


20ki@heraldcorp.com