SEOUL — Nam Hyun-hee, an Olympic fencing medalist, has been exonerated by police of any involvement in a fraud scheme perpetrated by her former fiancé. Nam, who secured a silver medal in women's foil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was scrutinized after allegations emerged linking her to her ex-fiancé Jeon Cheong-jo's fraudulent activities, which amounted to approximately 3 billion won (US$2.25 million) from 27 victims between 2022 and 2023.
The Seoul Songpa Police Station announced on Monday their decision not to refer Nam to the prosecution. The investigation revealed that Nam, who ended her relationship with Jeon after discovering Jeon's legal identity and past fraud convictions, had unwittingly received gifts such as a Bentley Motors vehicle and luxury bags purchased with the proceeds of Jeon's crimes. Last month, a district court in Seoul sentenced Jeon to 12 years in prison, while Nam has consistently denied any complicity in the fraud, asserting her status as another victim of Jeon's deceit.