Former Agent Who Embezzled 180 Million Won from Ryu Hyunjin's Modeling Fee Receives Suspended Sentence on Appeal

Claimed Lower Contract Fee to Pocket the Difference
Appeals Court: "Settlements Reached with All Victims... Leniency Requested"

A ramen commercial featuring baseball player Ryu Hyunjin, filmed after signing a contract with Ottogi in 2013. Ottogi YouTube

A former agent accused of embezzling part of baseball player Ryu Hyunjin's modeling fee for a ramen commercial avoided imprisonment after receiving a reduced sentence in the appeals trial.

On the 6th, the Criminal Appeals Division 3-2 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judges Cho Gyuseol, Yoo Hwanwoo, and Lim Seonji) overturned the original sentence of two years and six months in prison for Mr. Jeon (age 50), who was indicted on charges including fraud, and instead sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for three years, along with 200 hours of community service.

In 2013, while brokering an advertising model contract between Ottogi and Ryu Hyunjin, Mr. Jeon received a contract fee of 850,000 dollars but deceived Ryu Hyunjin by claiming the contract was for 700,000 dollars, pocketing the difference. He was indicted without detention in 2018 on these charges. The amount he embezzled was approximately 180 million won at the time.

Previously, the first trial sentenced Mr. Jeon to two years and six months in prison, but both Mr. Jeon and the prosecution appealed the verdict. During the appeals trial, Mr. Jeon pleaded for leniency, stating, "I believe my actions were wrong. I regret not considering the pain suffered by the victim and the difficulties experienced by those involved."

The appeals court explained its sentencing by stating, "The defendant is deeply remorseful for his crime, reached settlements with two victims during the first trial, and has since reached an additional settlement with the remaining victim during the appeals process. All victims are now requesting leniency for the defendant."