Han So Hee's mother, Ms. Shin (55), was convicted by the Wonju Branch of the Chuncheon District Court for operating multiple illegal gambling establishments. Judge Kim Do Hyung sentenced her to one year in prison, suspended for two years, and 120 hours of community service.
Ms. Shin was accused of opening seven illegal gambling dens for profit from late January 2022 to late August 2023.
The defendant collaborated with members of an illegal gambling website with whom she communicated via Telegram, the court heard.
Shin obtained access codes for illegal gambling websites as well as management codes. The defendant used them to establish and operate gambling dens, earning revenue and commissions from these illegal activities.
Shin is believed to have set up five illegal gambling dens in Wonju, one in Ulsan and one in Gyeongju.
She works with local regulators to operate adult PC gaming rooms where customers can participate in online gambling games.
This is not the first time Han So Hee's mother has committed a crime.
In 2021, she was convicted of violating the Game Industry Promotion Act and fined 5 million won (about 87 million VND) in 2023. Despite this, she continued to operate, leading to the recent allegations.
“Even after receiving the fine in 2023, the defendant continued to manage and operate illegal gambling websites, cooperating with several game room operators to set up gambling dens. Although the exact profits obtained remain unclear, the nature of these activities suggests significant financial benefits,” the court noted.
The court also considered Shin’s limited criminal record and time already served, deciding to impose a suspended sentence. Shin, who had been detained since September for investigation, was released after the verdict.
However, the prosecution appealed the verdict, arguing that the sentence was too lenient, leading to a second trial taking place.
After news of Shin's arrest broke in September, Han So Hee's management company, 9Ato Entertainment, issued a statement:
“The issues regarding Han So Hee’s mother are completely personal and have nothing to do with the actress. Han So Hee herself only learned about this issue through news reports and is extremely distressed.
We would like to reiterate that this is a matter related to her mother’s independent actions and has nothing to do with the actress. We apologize for causing trouble by delivering such unfortunate news that has nothing to do with her work.”
