The Seoul High Court confirmed the sentence, considering his criminal history and nature of the offense.
Concerns arise about how his previous violence may affect his future music career.
On January 2, rapper B-Free (real name Choi Seong-ho), who has six previous convictions, received a prison sentence of one year and four months for assaulting an apartment resident. The Seoul High Court upheld the original ruling and dismissed both parties' appeals. B-Free was indicted for assaulting a resident in an apartment in Jung-gu, Seoul, in June 2024, after a dispute with a security guard over a malfunctioning entry barrier. The victim sustained significant injuries after being punched in the face.
With six prior convictions, including another sentence just a day before this incident, the court viewed the seriousness of this case with concern. The first trial acknowledged the victim's vision impairment but concluded that recovery was still a possibility based on medical opinions.
Despite B-Free's acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and expressions of remorse, the appeals court determined that there were no grounds to alter the sentence, especially since the victim sought severe punishment. B-Free ultimately did not appeal the ruling, and the sentence of one year and four months was confirmed.
B-Free, who debuted in 2009 with the EP 'Freedom's Music,' has been known for his controversial persona and aggressive music style. His work often includes critiques of societal issues and personal struggles, garnering a loyal fanbase, but frequent violence has significantly tainted his public image.
This incident is heavily scrutinized due to his violent history, and the court's ruling appears to balance the severity of the victim's injuries with B-Free's criminal record, sending a critical message beyond mere punitive action.
Within the fandom, there are calls for his return to music, mixed with concerns about his past behavior. As B-Free navigates his legal issues, it remains to be seen how his history of violence will affect his future artistic endeavors.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: B-Free SNS
