Amid BLACKPINK's over-priced tour; YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk sentenced to 6 months in prison
BLACKPINK's DEADLINE World tour marred by criticism
Their return as a group after solo activities has been welcomed with widespread excitement, but they have also be receiving a lot of criticism. Fans have complained about high ticket prices, questionable tour logistics, and YG's continuous mismanagement. Jennie, in particular, has received online criticism for what some have dubbed "lazy dancing," reigniting questions over the group's performance standards and agency management.
Yang Hyun Suk convicted by Supreme Court
Adding to the turmoil, Yang Hyun Suk, the executive producer of YG Entertainment, is now facing criminal accusations. On July 17, South Korea's Supreme Court (1st Division, Chief Justice Ma Yong-joo) upheld a previous ruling that sentenced Yang to 6 months in jail with a one-year suspended sentence. The charges are based on coercion under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act.
Yang Hyun Suk's allegation dates back to 2016
The incident occurred in August 2016, when a former YG trainee known as "A" was detained for drug-related charges. During the investigation, "A" revealed that former iKON member B.I (Kim Han-bin) was also involved in illegal drug operations. Prosecutors said that Yang attempted to quiet the witness by threatening and coercing "A" to retract the testimony. Yang was indicted in May 2020 but was not detained.
Trial timeline and verdicts
First Trial (December 2022): Yang was acquitted due to "insufficient evidence" of direct harm to the victim.
Second Trial (November 2023): Yang was found guilty of coercing meetings - though still acquitted of "coercive threats" - and was sentenced to 6 months in prison with a 1-year suspended sentence.
The court emphasized the power imbalance, noting that Yang's status and the setting made the meetings inherently coercive. Despite Yang's appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the second trial's decision, stating there were no legal flaws in the ruling.
Yang Hyun Suk responds to final verdict
Following the Supreme Court's decision, Yang Hyun Suk released an official statement via YG Entertainment:
"Although I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's ruling, I humbly accept the decision. While I was acquitted of the initial charge of 'retaliatory threats' in both the first and second trials, the prosecution changed the indictment during the second trial to the unfamiliar charge of 'coercion of an interview.' After a long legal battle lasting five years and eight months, I have now received the Supreme Court's final verdict. From now on, I will devote myself to my duties with even greater caution and a stronger sense of responsibility. Thank you."
Spotlight turns to YG once again
Yang's legal issues have brought attention to the company's history of scandals and internal mismanagement, even though the groups under them are still adored throughout the world. It remains to be seen whether these incidents will impact BLACKPINK's tour or the agency's reputation in the long run.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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