Mother of singer Jang Yun-jeong faces 18 months in prison over fraud charges

Prosecutors have sought a prison term of 18 months for Yuk, the mother of singer Jang Yun-jeong, who is accused of defrauding acquaintances by exploiting her daughter's celebrity status. Yuk wept in court during the trial, saying she had wronged the victims. She had previously been detained on similar charges.

Seoul Eastern District Court Judge Seo Beom-jun presided over the first hearing Thursday in the fraud case against Yuk, who is currently in detention. Prosecutors called for an 18-month prison sentence at the session.

According to prosecutors, Yuk received 31 million won ($22,400) from an acquaintance in three separate payments between 2024 and 2025, using her relationship with Jang to solicit the money under the pretense of investment. She is accused of failing to return the promised returns.

"The defendant committed this offense despite already having a prior conviction and actual prison sentence for fraud using a similar scheme," prosecutors said, adding that the amount of damage was not small and had not been repaired.

Yuk had previously been sentenced to prison in 2018 on fraud charges involving around 400 million won.

Yuk's defense acknowledged all charges at Thursday's hearing and appealed for leniency, asking the court to consider her deep remorse and the fact that most of the money she obtained was spent on living expenses.

At the close of the hearing, Yuk broke down in tears in the courtroom, saying, "I have truly wronged the victims and their families."

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.