Attorney quits in extortion case involving Celine Dion’s husband

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003 | 11:07 a.m.

The local attorney defending the California woman charged with trying to extort Celine Dion's husband out of millions of dollars has stepped down from the case.

Robert Langford said he will no longer represent Yun Keyong Kwon Sung, 46. Police say Sung and her husband threatened to go public with Sung's claims that Rene Angelil raped her if Angelil did not pay the couple $13 million.

Langford said Sung could no longer afford his services.

"The client lacks the resources to mount a successful defense," he said. "I believe the couple is indigent."

Langford also will no longer represent Sung in a separate case in which she is accused of failing to repay local casino markers worth more than $500,000.

District Judge Michael Douglas on Tuesday ordered the Clark County Public Defender's office to interview Sung to determine if she qualifies for their services.

Sung claimed Angelil raped her in her in her hotel room at the Imperial Palace in March 2000. Angelil denied the allegations and local authorities closed the case without filing charges against Angelil.

In an interview with the Sun, Angelil admitted he paid the couple $2 million in May 2000 because he didn't want the stress of the false allegations in his life at that time.

Langford said Sung's penchant for gambling helped to quickly deplete those funds.

"That was gambled away long ago," he said.