Didn’t know when to fold ’em
The Seoul Central District Court yesterday handed down six-month prison sentences, plus one year probation, to three celebrities who were found guilty of illegal gambling.Comedian Lee Su-geun, actor Tak Jae-hoon and singer Tony Ahn all pleaded guilty and requested leniency.
Local prosecutors asked the court for upwards of 10 months jail time and two years probation after catching all three celebrities using online gambling websites and cell phone messaging services to bet on the results of sporting events overseas.
According to prosecutors, Ahn gambled around 400 million won ($379,000) from May 2009 to March 2012, while Lee gambled 370 million won from December 2008 to June 2011. Tak is said to have gambled 290 million won from February 2008 to April 2011.
“The influence of their habitual gambling on society is big considering their social status, but we have taken into consideration that they are regretful for what they did and admitted their criminal acts,” said the court in its ruling.
All three celebrities have reportedly said that they will accept the court’s decision and do not plan to appeal.
By Lee Sun-min
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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