On April 16, 2025, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Criminal Division 7 took decisive action against a crime ring involved in extorting a famous singer. A man surnamed Hong was indicted under the Act on the Punishment of Violence, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn public outrage.
Hong, along with two accomplices, allegedly discovered an old phone belonging to a well-known singer that contained sensitive photos and private data. The group demanded a staggering sum of 500 million won (approximately 9 billion VND) from the artist, threatening to release the private images if their demands were not met. Before their arrest, the criminals successfully extorted 100 million won (1.8 billion VND) from the singer.
The extortion case came to light after the singer's management company reported the threats to the police. Authorities quickly apprehended Hong on March 17, 2025, in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. Following his arrest, prosecutors expanded their investigation, leading to formal charges against Hong.
One of Hong's accomplices, identified as Kwon, is already in custody for another crime and is now facing prosecution related to this extortion case. A second accomplice, referred to only as "A," is under investigation to determine his involvement.
During interrogations, one suspect admitted to having connections with a notorious criminal gang, raising concerns about the organized nature of this extortion scheme. The incident has sparked outrage among the South Korean public, with many calling for increased protections against digital privacy violations and the extortion of celebrities.
In recent years, several high-profile figures have fallen victim to similar extortion attempts, including Naeun, a former member of the girl group Apink, and Junsu from JYJ. The recurring nature of these crimes has ignited discussions about the need for stronger legal protections for artists and public figures.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a different controversy is unfolding involving the late singer Yashiro Aki. The record label New Century Records faces a backlash for planning to release a CD that includes two private photos of Yashiro, who passed away in December 2023. Known as the "Queen of Enka," Yashiro's legacy is now being challenged by this decision, which many see as a violation of her dignity.
The photos, reportedly taken by Yashiro's former partner when she was in her 20s, were acquired by the company from someone connected to her previous management about 25 years ago. Hayakawa Hiroshi, the president of New Century Records, has defended the release, stating, "This is simply business. If anyone has a problem, buy the copyright." His comments have been met with widespread condemnation.
The public outcry has been swift, with a petition titled "Protect Aki Yashiro's Dignity and End Revenge Porn" gaining thousands of signatures on Change.org. The petition emphasizes that this issue transcends entertainment, highlighting the invasion of privacy faced by deceased individuals.
Ono Makoto, president of Yashiro Music and Gallery, an organization founded by Yashiro to manage her image and rights, has also spoken out against the planned release. He described the action as "disgusting and unacceptable," asserting that they do not support it in any form.
Local government officials have echoed these sentiments. At a press conference on April 16, Kumamoto Governor Kimura Takashi remarked, "If the information is accurate, selling this CD is an offensive and unethical act. I hope the people of the province—and the country—will continue to respect the memory and dignity of Ms. Yashiro." His comments reflect a growing concern about the ethical implications of exploiting the images of deceased individuals for profit.
From a legal perspective, the situation is complex. Attorney Ito Kazuko, who specializes in victim rights related to sexual violence, argues that publishing nude photos posthumously without clear consent could violate ethical standards and potentially constitute a criminal act. "This is an affront to the dignity of the deceased. If relatives choose to sue, there is a possibility of criminal prosecution," she stated.
Criminal lawyer Hattori Keiichiro has expressed skepticism regarding whether Yashiro ever consented to the publication of these photos, noting that she never publicly acknowledged or revealed them during her lifetime.
In response to the mounting pressure from the public and legal experts, some distribution companies, including Rakuten Books and Tower Records Japan, have halted pre-orders and removed the product from their platforms. Rakuten issued a brief statement explaining, "Currently, for various reasons, this product cannot be ordered." This action reflects a broader concern about the ethical ramifications of releasing such material.
The controversies surrounding both the extortion case in South Korea and the planned CD release in Japan raise critical questions about privacy rights, ethical responsibilities, and the treatment of public figures after their death. As society grapples with these issues, the need for stronger legal frameworks and protections for individuals—especially those in the public eye—becomes increasingly evident.
In a world where personal images can easily be exploited for profit, the calls for change are not just about protecting the living but also about respecting the dignity of those who have passed. The ongoing dialogues in both South Korea and Japan underscore the importance of safeguarding individual rights in the face of rapidly evolving digital landscapes.
