A second hearing was held for Yang Hyun Suk, who was indicted for trying to cover up the investigation into the drug use of B.I.

Previously, Yang Hyun Suk was accused of conciliating and threatening Han Seo Hee in order to clear B.I's drug charges in 2016. The first trial judge ultimately acquitted Yang Hyun Suk due to insufficient evidence.

On the morning of April 12 KST, Seoul High Court Criminal Division 6-3 held the first appeal hearing against Yang Hyun Suk, who was charged with retaliatory threats and other charges. At the appeal, Yang Hyun Suk repeatedly insisted on his innocence on the charge of retaliatory threats.

During the appeal the prosecution stated, “The victim consistently insisted from the beginning of the investigation to the testimony in court that Yang Hyun Suk gave a notice of harm to the effect that he would not be able to properly engage in entertainment activities in the future."

Prosecution also argued, “Even if the defendant’s direct and specific notice of harm was not proven, the trial judged that it was correct that the victim had become fearful in light of the overall circumstances, including other remarks and actions. The crime of intimidation needs to be checked to see if it is at the level of causing fear by integrating all circumstances, and it is not to judge whether or not it has caused fear in reality.”

In response, Yang Hyun Suk's lawyer said, "The original judgment is extremely just, so we ask for the appeal to be dismissed." 

Yang Hyun Suk's lawyer additionally argued, "Han Seo Hee's testimony was made through a total of six interrogations over several months, and the transcript alone reached 500 pages. The first trial court would not have judged that the testimony was not credible with a peripheral glance. It is difficult to believe Han Seo Hee's statement at all."

Prosecutors announced that they would apply for Han Seo Hee and B.I's father as witnesses. The next hearing will be held on May 24 KST.