Man fined for contacting debtor 169 times with suicide threats over unpaid loan

A man in his 50s has been fined for repeatedly contacting a debtor day and night, demanding repayment of a 100 million won ($70,900) loan.

According to legal sources Wednesday, the Ulsan District Court's Criminal Division 5, presided over by Judge Jo Guk-in, handed down a fine of 3 million won to the defendant, identified only as A, on charges of violating the Act on Fair Collection of Bonds.

A is accused of sending text messages and making phone calls to debtor B a total of 169 times over roughly 17 months — from early January 2024 to mid-May 2025 — including messages implying suicidal intent, such as "If I die, it's because of you."

A began the repeated contact, sometimes in the middle of the night, after B failed to repay the 100 million won loan, causing B significant anxiety.

A continued sending messages — including threats to "visit your family" — even while under police investigation following a complaint filed by B.

"The victim appears to have suffered considerable distress, yet the defendant made no meaningful effort to provide compensation and showed no remorse," the court said in its sentencing remarks.