
Legal Ramifications for Defamation: A High-Profile YouTuber’s Case
On January 15, the Incheon District Court issued a ruling in a notable case involving a YouTuber identified as A. The court found her guilty of defamation and insults under the Information and Communication Network Act. Presiding Judge Kim Saet-byeol determined that A’s actions inflicted considerable harm on the victims, resulting in a prison sentence, which has been suspended for three years. Additionally, the court imposed a hefty fine of 210 million won, alongside a requirement for 120 hours of community service.
A, a 36-year-old woman, faced allegations related to the dissemination of false information through her content. Between October 2021 and June 2023, she uploaded 23 videos that propagated damaging rumors about several prominent public figures, including IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and aespa’s Karina. Reports indicate that these defamatory actions enabled her to amass approximately 250 million won over the course of two years, benefiting financially from the notoriety created by her harmful content.

The turning point in this case was marked by Jang Wonyoung filing a lawsuit against A, demanding compensation for the distress caused by the ongoing circulation of false claims. In a significant victory for the victimize, Jang’s legal team successfully secured a court order in January of the previous year, mandating A to pay 100 million won in damages for defamation.
This case underscores the serious legal repercussions individuals face for using social media platforms to disseminate harmful allegations and tarnish the reputations of public figures. Moreover, it emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the reputations and mental well-being of celebrities, who are frequently subjected to online harassment and unfounded misinformation.
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