Han So-Hee‘s mother has received a suspended jail term for operating multiple illegal gambling establishments, along with 120 hours of community service. This includes a year in prison and two years in suspension. Shin, aged 55, has been prosecuted for operating seven gambling venues for profit between late January 2022 and late August 2023.

Han So-Hee’s mother sent to jail

The Korea Times reported on December 25, that judge Kim Do-Hyung of the Chuncheon District Court’s Wonju Branch sentenced the actor’s mother.

“Even after receiving a fine in 2023, the defendant managed and operated illegal gambling sites, collaborating with several game room operators to establish gambling venues. Although the exact profits she gained are not clearly detailed in the records, the structure of the operations and profit-sharing arrangements indicate that the amount is likely substantial,” the court observed.

About the case

Shin allegedly used a popular application Telegram to coordinate with people associated with a dark web gaming site. When found guilty of breaking the Game Industry Promotion Act in 2021, she was penalised with 5 million KRW ($3,800) in 2023. However, she continued her business leading to more recent charges.

Han So-Hee’s agency statement

Han So-Hee’s agency had previously issued a statement distancing her from the matter. It read, “This case is entirely unrelated to the actress and stems from her mother’s personal actions. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this private matter.”

It added, “Ms Shin used a bank account under Han So-Hee’s name in the process of borrowing money. Ms. Shin arbitrarily opened the bank account when Han So Hee was a minor, and she used that account to borrow money without Han So-Hee’s knowledge.”

Han So-Hee’s mother was detained in September 2024 but was released soon after the suspended sentence ruling.