IVE Jang Won-young’s ‘Sojang’ Investigation Selected As Example Criminal Case

On June 26th, the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office chose Lee Ah-ram (6th bar exam) and Kwak Ye-shin (7th bar exam) from the Criminal Division 1 of the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office as exemplary prosecutors for their handling of criminal cases.

The two prosecutors assumed responsibility for the cases of three victims, including Jang Won-young, and uncovered evidence that suggested ‘Sojang’ operator A had persistently engaged in cyber vandalism. They proceeded to conduct further investigations, such as a search and seizure of A’s residence and monitoring of their bank account.

Afterward, A was charged with defamation and their real estate, which was bought with the proceeds from their YouTube earnings, was confiscated in order to prevent them from selling it.

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office clarified that this case provided evidence of the crime of cyber wreckers, who deliberately create false information, manipulate audio and video recordings, and disseminate malicious and provocative content to defame multiple victims. These actions garnered a large number of views and resulted in significant profits of 250 million won in a short period of time through membership fees. This investigation serves as a strong demonstration of the government’s swift and effective response to emerging forms of criminal activity.

A is facing accusations of slandering celebrities, influencers, and entertainment agencies, such as Jang Won-young, through the content of videos posted on the YouTube channel ‘Sojang’ between October 2021 and June of last year. The channel has since been removed.

During the 19th’s third trial of the lawsuit filed by Jang Won-young’s agency, A made a baseless accusation that the prosecution was manipulating the media to portray them in a negative light.