The mother of South Korean actress Han So-hee received a suspended sentence for operating illegal gambling operations in Korea, avoiding immediate jail time despite prosecutor objections.

The 55-year-old defendant operated seven illegal gambling sites across multiple locations including Wonju, Ulsan, and Gyeongju between January 2022 and August 2023. The sites primarily offered baccarat games.

The Chuncheon District Court Judge Kim Do-hyung handed down a one-year prison sentence with a two-year suspension and 120 hours of community service. Prosecutors, who had sought an 18-month prison term, filed an appeal, calling the sentence "unduly lenient."

The defendant had previously been fined 5 million won (US$3,800) in 2023 for similar violations but continued operating the gambling sites. While the exact profits weren't disclosed, the judge noted that the operation's structure suggested substantial earnings.

Han So-hee, the defendant's daughter and prominent Korean TV star known for roles in "The World of the Married" and "Gyeongseong Creature," was not involved in the case. Her spokesperson clarified that the incident was a "private matter" stemming solely from her mother's personal actions.

The defendant was released from custody following the ruling, which came after her initial apprehension in September.

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