Sojang Fails to Appear in Court, Arrest Warrant May Be Issued

On July 16th, Judge Lee Jun-gu of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 18 was scheduled to conduct the sentencing hearing for Park, the operator of Sojang who was charged with violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). However, the hearing was delayed due to Park’s absence in court.

Park’s counsel clarified their absence, stating that Park had undergone a surgery to remove a tumor from their finger in May and was unable to attend due to severe pain.

The court conveyed their frustration with the statement, “It puts the court in a difficult position when a reason for absence is submitted on the day of the trial.”They also issued a warning, stating that if Park fails to appear on the next scheduled date, a warrant for their arrest will be issued. The court requested that this message be conveyed to the defendant.

The court decided to postpone the hearing to August 12th and stated that the defendant’s examination and sentencing would both take place on that date.

In 2022, Park was accused of posting a false video titled “Promiscuous Private Life of the Nation’s Boyfriend – Actor – Idol” on their YouTube channel, which resulted in allegations of defamation against Kang Daniel.

Between October 2021 and June of last year, Park was in charge of the YouTube channel Sojang. During this time, they uploaded 23 videos that were defamatory towards various celebrities and influencers, including Jang Wonyoung, which ultimately resulted in their recent indictment.