Woman who sued Dion’s husband pleads not guilty to theft charges

Kim Smith

Friday, July 26, 2002 | 9:31 a.m.

A California woman who claims singer Celine Dion's husband sexually assaulted her two years ago proclaimed her innocence on unrelated theft charges Thursday.

Yun Keyong Kwon Sung, 46, entered a not guilty plea in District Judge Michael Douglas' courtroom Thursday morning. The judge scheduled her trial for Oct. 21.

Sung is accused of failing to repay three Harrah's casino markers worth more than $500,000. She had reached an agreement with prosecutors that would have allowed for the dismissal of the charges if she started to make restitution by July 9.

Because Sung allegedly failed to do so, her case was transferred from Las Vegas Justice Court to Clark County District Court.

After Thursday's brief hearing, Sung declined to comment on the failed plea agreement. Speaking through an interpreter, Sung, however, proclaimed her innocence.

She said the casino gave her $500,000 in markers but wasn't told when to pay them off. She says she was "framed" and jailed in California after she filed a lawsuit against "a guy."

"I was in jail 45 days and a lot of people told me that they wanted to give me a lesson," Sung said. "They said the hotel and the guy got together. I was framed. That's what I feel."

Sung and her husband, Ae H. Kwon, declined to confirm if Rene Angelil was the man she was referring to.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Dan Ahlstrom, who is prosecuting Sung, said "I wouldn't dignify nonsense like that with a comment."

Kyle Stephens, who represents Angelil in a civil suit filed by Sung, declined to comment.

Gary Thompson, Harrah's Entertainment spokesman, said "we don't comment on pending litigation and this is a case that will be decided in court."

Sung said eventually, the whole story will come out.

"I have a lot to say, but now is not the time to talk," Sung said. "Later I will talk and you will be surprised."

Sung and her husband filed a civil complaint March 15 against Angelil, his corporation and the Imperial Palace, alleging Angelil, Dion's husband and manager, assaulted her in March 2000.

Metro Police are investigating the allegation.

The lawsuit was put on hold last month after District Judge Allan Earl ordered the parties to meet with arbitrators