Comedian Jang Do-yeon Expresses Outrage Over Tragic Voice Phishing Case on SBS Show

Comedian Jang Do-yeon expressed her anger on SBS's 'The Story of That Day' while discussing a tragic voice phishing case that led 28-year-old Kim Hu-bin to take his own life after 11 hours of psychological manipulation.

The episode, aired on the 19th, titled 'Faceless Murderer,' revealed the cruel tactics of a voice phishing organization that isolated a young man for 11 hours, ultimately driving him to a tragic decision. The show featured listeners including At Heart's Arin, actress Shin So-yul, and Han Ji-hye, who followed the harrowing reality of voice phishing.

11 Hours of Psychological Pressure from Fake Prosecutors

In 2020, Kim Hu-bin was found dead after falling from the rooftop of an apartment in Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do. His phone contained records of nearly 11 hours of calls with an unknown number, along with recorded conversations, revealing the control exerted over him until his death.

The broadcast unveiled the 11-hour conversation Kim had before his death. The caller claimed to be Investigator Lee Do-hyun from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, alleging that two bank accounts in Kim's name were found during a financial fraud investigation. Another caller, posing as Prosecutor Kim Min-soo, pressured Kim by suggesting he could be a suspect. They isolated him from contacting others and instructed him to disable his phone's mobile data, Wi-Fi, and location services. Threats of arrest and imprisonment were made if the call was disconnected or not answered promptly.

Watching the invisible control and psychological pressure, Han Ji-hye shuddered, saying, "It feels like being caught in an inescapable trap," while Shin So-yul expressed her anger, "The gaslighting and manipulation make me tremble with rage."

Fake Prosecutors Even Created a Fake Supreme Prosecutors' Office Website

The perpetrators went as far as showing Kim a fake Supreme Prosecutors' Office website. Despite the documents, seals, and case grades being fake, the sense of crisis was heightened. Preparing for a civil service exam, Kim feared that ignoring their claims could disqualify him from becoming a public servant, adding immense pressure. He felt compelled to cooperate with the investigation to clear his name.

The fake Prosecutor Kim Min-soo instructed Kim to prove his accounts were not involved in fraud by withdrawing 4.2 million won from an ATM after canceling a fixed deposit. He was then directed to move to the Financial Supervisory Service in Seoul, further ensnaring him in their trap. The relentless gaslighting left Shin So-yul gasping, "It's suffocating."

Arrest and Final Verdict

Following the fake prosecutor's instructions, Kim placed 4.2 million won and his belongings in a parcel locker at a community center. After being told to wait at a coffee shop, contact with the fake prosecutor ceased. Waiting in a Seoul coffee shop, Kim eventually returned home and took his own life. His note expressed fear and injustice, unaware he was a victim of voice phishing. At Heart's Arin lamented, "I understand the phrase 'not suicide but murder.' He likely felt the silent pressure without realizing he was being scammed."

Kim's suicide and his mother's anguished cries prompted an investigation. A group photo led to the arrest of the fake Prosecutor Kim Min-soo and Investigator Lee Do-hyun at their hideout. Even at the time of arrest, their brazen demeanor angered Han Ji-hye, who remarked, "Have they given up on being human?" In the trial, which went to appeal, the fake Prosecutor Kim Min-soo and Investigator Lee Do-hyun received sentences of 5 years and 6 years, respectively, leaving a sense of disappointment. Their sentences were reduced due to settlements with other victims.

Meanwhile, 'The Story of That Day' highlighted the rapid advancement of AI voice cloning technology, raising awareness of the evolving threat of voice phishing crimes. Hosts Jang Hyun-sung, Jang Sung-kyu, and Jang Do-yeon expressed their hope that the broadcast would contribute to the eradication of voice phishing crimes.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr