Model Lee Ji-yeon, one of two people charged with blackmailing A-list actor Lee Byung-hun, raised fresh claims that she committed the crime in a fit of rage after the star broke up with her.

The Lee’s lawyer claimed Thursday that she threatened him with a video that could tarnish his image as revenge after the top star split up with her.

The two started dating three months ago, the lawyer said during the interview with a local media outlet. The Hollywood star is currently married to actress Lee Min-jung. 
 
Lee, 25, and K-pop girl group GLAM member Dahee, 20, were arrested early this month on charges of demanding 5 billion won in return for not disclosing the video, which allegedly contained a lewd conversation he had with them.

In response, Lee Byun-hun’s agency BH Entertainment dismissed the claims as “groundless” and said the crime was “premeditated” given the circumstances.

“It’s merely an attempt at self-defense to avoid heavy charges by making a ‘premeditated crime’ look accidental,” the agency said through a press release.

Through the police investigation, the women were found to have researched flight tickets for Europe and prepared a suitcase that would be used to carry the colossal amount of cash.  

The lawyer, however, refuted the claims, saying the young Lee searched for flight schedules and prices but did not intend to flee the country. 

The actor reported the incident to the police on Aug. 28, and the women were arrested on Sept. 1 near their residence.

The other suspect, Dahee, has yet to make any comments on the matter.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)