Lee Jae-po (65), who had worked as a comedian and actor, was indicted on fraud charges and sentenced to pay a fine.
Judge Park Jong-woong of the Incheon District Court's Criminal Division 16 noted on the 3rd that a fine of 10 million won was imposed on Lee, who was prosecuted for fraud.
Lee is accused of deceiving acquaintance A on November 22, 2020, at a pension in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, and swindling 20 million won. He reportedly told A at the time, "Due to COVID-19, my wife's clothing store is struggling," and asked, "I urgently need money, so please lend me 20 million won."
However, the investigation revealed that Lee had intended to use the borrowed money for personal purposes. He had no intention or ability to repay the money.
Judge Park stated, "Considering the circumstances and methods of the defendant's crime, the nature of the crime is not good," and added, "Lee has acknowledged the wrongdoing and has reached a settlement with the victim."
Lee entered the MBC Comedy Contest in 1983 and began his career as a comedian. He later transitioned to acting, appearing in works such as 'Fourth Republic' and 'Era of Outlaws'.