Man in His 50s Extorts 3 Million Won from Restaurant Owner After Threatening, “It’s Your Fault I Was Fined”

[Financial News] A man in his 50s who extorted money by repeatedly making retaliatory threats against a restaurant owner who reported his drunk driving has been sentenced to prison, with the sentence suspended. He later repeatedly drove under the influence without a license.
On the 7th, Presiding Judge Ji Yun-seop of the Criminal Division 3 of Cheongju District Court said that the court sentenced Defendant A, in his 50s, to two years in prison, suspended for three years. A was indicted on charges including extortion, threats, and violations of the Road Traffic Act, including drunk driving and driving without a license.
A was accused of threatening B, a restaurant owner in his 50s, at a restaurant in Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, in March last year and extorting 3 million won in cash. Investigators found that A had committed the crime out of resentment after B’s report led police to catch him driving under the influence and he was sentenced to a fine. A reportedly went to the restaurant in person, caused a disturbance while saying, "I’m not going to die alone," and demanded money.
A’s retaliation did not end there. His license had been revoked for drunk driving, but in July of the same year, he drove again while heavily intoxicated and was caught by police after B reported him once more. A was also accused of calling B after his arrest and hurling abuse and threats, saying, "I’ll kill you."
The court noted, "The victim suffered extreme psychological distress, and none of the money extorted has been recovered." It added, "The defendant’s history of being punished several times in the past, including for drunk driving, is an unfavorable factor."
However, the court explained its sentencing decision, saying, "We determined the sentence after considering the fact that the defendant admitted to the crimes and has shown remorse, among other factors."
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