Former idol and retired streamer who blackmailed Lee Byung Hun returns as a YouTuber

AKP STAFF

www.insight.co.kr

Kim Si Won (age 30), a former member of the group GLAM, who previously received a suspended prison sentence for attempting to extort 5 billion KRW (~3.6 million USD) by threatening to release a video of actor Lee Byung Hun's private life, has returned as a YouTuber. Earlier this year, she had announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.

On November 17, Kim Si Won uploaded a video titled "The Most Asked Question About Why We're Doing This Together" to her YouTube channel, Kim Si Won. The description reads: "A message for those contemplating challenges, from a woman who has weathered life's storms and her friend who confronts death daily."

In the video, Kim discusses how she came to start her YouTube channel with a male friend she has known for 20 years. She shared, “Even when I want to do something, I tend to be scared and procrastinate. But my friend Beom Jin encourages me and helps me stay on track."

Beom Jin added, “Si Won felt discouraged because of her past work, and we talked a lot about those issues. She wants to work hard and pursue what she loves.”

Kim Si Won expressed her gratitude, saying, “My friends always believe in and support me no matter what I do. Especially this friend, who tells me, ‘If it’s something you’re doing, I’m all for it,’ and ‘You’re a courageous person.’”

Beom Jin explained their main purpose: “Our focus is on encouraging people to just start. Just as we’ve started YouTube, we want to create content that inspires others to take the first step toward their dreams, whatever they may be. We aim to spread as much positive energy as possible.”

Kim Si Won debuted in 2012 as part of the girl group GLAM, performing under the stage name Dahee. However, in 2014, she became embroiled in controversy after threatening to release a private video of actor Lee Byung Hun, which reportedly contained lewd conversations, if she wasn’t paid 5 billion KRW. Lee Byung Hun filed a police report, and Kim Si Won was arrested on charges of attempted blackmail. Although she was sentenced to prison in the first trial, her sentence was reduced to one year with a two-year probation during her appeal.

Following the incident, Kim Si Won changed her stage name from Dahee to Kim Si Won and transitioned to being an AfreecaTV BJ (streamer). She reportedly earned around 2.4 billion KRW (~1.7 million KRW) last year through her activities.