Yang Hyun‑suk, YG’s former executive producer, received a suspended sentence on Friday. The Supreme Court handed him six months in prison, suspended for one year. This sentencing relates to his involvement in pressuring Han Seo‑hee to recant her statement linking iKON’s B.I to drug activities.
At first, the district court cleared Yang of coercion and threats, citing insufficient evidence of direct intimidation. However, prosecutors challenged that ruling and introduced a new charge in the appeal. They argued that Yang coerced a meeting with Han in August 2016. The appeals court agreed and convicted him under the crime of coerced meeting.
Specifically, the court found that Yang exerted undue pressure on Han, despite lacking the legal authority to do so. It ruled that his act constituted “unjust influence” intended to affect her statement.
In his remarks following the Supreme Court’s decision, Yang shared his regret and acceptance. He said, “Though I regret the Supreme Court’s decision, I humbly accept it,” and pledged to act more responsibly in future work.
This legal saga traces back to 2019, when Han disclosed to the Anti‑Corruption and Civil Rights Commission that YG officials had pressured her to withdraw accusations against B.I. These accusations had first come to light amid a police investigation into Han’s own drug use. Han initially implicated B.I, but later recanted under pressure.
When prosecutors reopened the case, they pursued Yang for attempting to suppress Han’s testimony. As part of the appeal, they added the coerced meeting charge. Ultimately this charge carried weight at the appeals and Supreme Court levels, securing Yang’s conviction.
Meanwhile, B.I, the former iKON member, faced his own legal consequences. He admitted to marijuana use and purchasing LSD during police interviews. In September 2021, the court sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended for four. Since then, he has launched a solo career.
Yang’s conviction marks a notable moment in K‑pop industry accountability. It shows that executive pressure on witnesses can constitute a serious criminal offense. Fans and industry watchers have closely followed the case, given YG’s status as one of Korea’s foremost entertainment firms.
Moreover, the case has broader implications. It raises questions about power dynamics in talent management and the responsibilities of entertainment agency leaders. For many, the decision signals a shift toward holding executives accountable for actions behind the scenes.
As Yang adapts to his suspended sentence, the industry may witness increased scrutiny of executive conduct. Observers expect that entertainment agencies may reassess internal policies and decision‑making protocols to avoid similar controversies.
