Actress Han So Hee's mother arrested for operating illegal online gambling dens

Identified by her surname Shin, she is accused of establishing and operating 12 illegal gambling websites in internet cafes across Wonju City, Gangwon Province, approximately 90 km southeast of Seoul.

Police reports indicate that Shin, 54, managed these gambling dens from December 2022 until the end of last month, SBS reported.

She allegedly set up the cafes under another person's name and converted them into illegal gambling venues using online platforms.

Authorities are currently investigating the extent of the illegal profits Shin may have earned from these activities, according to Yonhap.

Han So Hee's management agency addressed the news, stating: "Han So Hee was devastated upon hearing this. However, this is a matter concerning her mother and is unrelated to the actress herself."

South Korean actress Han So Hee in a photo posted on her Instagram account, April 2024.

The 30-year-old has faced several challenges due to her mother's actions, according to her agency's public announcement. In 2020, Shin used the actress's bank account to defraud individuals of 85 million won (approximately $63,282). At that time, Shin was accused of soliciting investments and then disappearing with the money. Han repaid part of the funds and stated that she would not be responsible for her mother's future actions.

In 2022, Shin continued her fraudulent behavior. Han's management company issued a statement at the time: "We are working to prevent Mrs. Shin from exploiting Han So Hee's name to borrow money and commit fraud." It was revealed that Shin had registered a bank account in the actress's name when she was still a minor and had used it for fraudulent activities over several years.

Han gained widespread recognition for her role in the drama "The World of the Married" (2020) and later starred in lead roles in series such as "Nevertheless" and "My Name." Often referred to as the "little Song Hye Kyo" due to her resemblance to the senior actress, Han is not only prominent in acting but is also highly sought after for commercials, attracting the attention of major fashion and cosmetics brands.