Alleged rape plays no role in extortion case

Molly Ball

Monday, Oct. 18, 2004 | 9:26 a.m.

Whether or not Celine Dion's husband raped Yun Kyeong Sung has no bearing on the accusation that Sung committed extortion, District Judge Jackie Glass ruled on Friday, as a discussion of the fine points of criminal law was interrupted by an outburst from Sung's husband.

Sung's husband, Ae Ho Kwon, cried out angrily in Korean and then in broken English, shouting, "Why you make this case? Why I standing here?" as his wife sobbed openly.

What he yelled in Korean was not translated. Kwon was warned that he would be removed if he yelled again.

Glass also ruled that the jury will be allowed to hear evidence that Sung was facing prosecution for unpaid casino markers totaling more than $900,000.

Sung's trial begins Oct. 25. Her husband is to be tried separately in January. Glass on Friday rejected a request to put the pair on trial together.

Chief Deputy District Attorney L.J. O'Neale argued successfully that to prove extortion, the state did not have to disprove rape.

"If you have a grievance, you can go about collecting it the right way or the wrong way," he said.

O'Neale gave the example of a person who tried to collect on a legitimate debt by threatening to kneecap the debtor. Even if the debt was real, he said, threatening to hurt someone was not an appropriate way to recoup it.

Sung's lawyer, Robert Langford, pointed out that Nevada law lists several acts that constitute extortion, including conniving to publish a libel. Those elements wouldn't be listed if they weren't relevant, he argued.

To be libelous, a published statement must be untrue.

Sung, 47, allegedly tried to get Dion's husband, Rene Angelil, to pay Sung to prevent her from publishing allegations that Angelil sexually assaulted her.

She is charged with extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and as a witness soliciting a bribe. Kwon, 50, faces the same charges.

Sung and Kwon allege that Angelil raped her at the Imperial Palace in March 2000, allegations that Angelil has repeatedly denied.

Police closed the complaint against Angelil without filing charges, citing a lack of evidence. The couple settled a civil lawsuit in May 2000 with Angelil for $2 million.

A year later Sung reported the alleged assault to police after another failed attempt to gain money from Angelil.