Yang Joon-il, Finally Takes Legal Action Against Malicious Commenters... "Acts to Destroy My Life Have Gone Too Far"

Singer Yang Joon-il [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Singer Yang Joon-il is taking legal action against malicious commenters.

Yang Joon-il's legal representative stated through a fan cafe on the 6th, "Recently, false information about singer Yang Joon-il has been maliciously spread, hurting both him and his supportive fans," adding, "At first, it was an innocent act born out of interest in Yang Joon-il, and we believed that the truth would be revealed over time, so we did not consider legal measures."

The legal representative explained the background for taking legal action, saying, "The malicious acts aimed at destroying Yang Joon-il’s personal existence, character, and life have gone too far, causing harm not only to him but also to those around him and many innocent people."

They continued, "Such incidents must never happen again to anyone in our society, and the legitimate opportunities and courage to pursue one’s dreams must be guaranteed to everyone," adding, "Everyone has people who like them and people who dislike them. And everyone clearly has the freedom to express their opinions. However, that freedom of expression does not include the right to maliciously spread false information."

They emphasized, "The spreading of false information is an act of character assassination," and stated, "We will firmly respond together with the fans on behalf of all vulnerable people against any further attempts to slander singer Yang Joon-il with malicious intent."

Meanwhile, Yang Joon-il debuted in 1991 and continued activities with songs like "Rebecca" and "Ganadarabasa" before temporarily halting his career. He gained great popularity through the JTBC variety show "Sugar Man 3" aired last December, and recently returned to Korea after finishing his life in the United States and is currently active domestically.

Below is the full official statement from Yang Joon-il’s legal representative.

Hello. I am Attorney Song Sang-yeop of Law Firm Seopyeong, the legal representative of singer Yang Joon-il.

Recently, false information about singer Yang Joon-il has been maliciously spread, causing pain to him and his supportive fans.

At first, it was an innocent act born out of interest in Yang Joon-il, and we believed that the truth would be revealed over time, so we did not consider legal measures.

However, the malicious acts aimed at destroying Yang Joon-il’s personal existence, character, and life have gone too far, causing harm not only to him but also to those around him and many innocent people.

Singer Yang Joon-il has already experienced the pain of having even the chance to try taken away.

Such incidents must never happen again to anyone in our society, and the legitimate opportunities and courage to pursue one’s dreams must be guaranteed to everyone.

Everyone has people who like them and people who dislike them.

And everyone clearly has the freedom to express their opinions.

However, that freedom of expression does not include the right to maliciously spread false information.

The spreading of false information is an act of character assassination.

Regarding any further attempts to slander singer Yang Joon-il with malicious intent, we will firmly respond together with the fans on behalf of all vulnerable people.

Despite the official notice from Yang Joon-il’s legal representative holding those who spread false information legally responsible to protect many innocent people, the continued spreading of false information can only be presumed to be with malicious intent.

Fans are requested to send screenshots of internet posts, blogs, or article comments spreading malicious false information via email.

Let us all protect the precious values of our society together with singer Yang Joon-il and all his fans.

Sincerely, Attorney Song Sang-yeop of Law Firm Seopyeong, legal representative of singer Yang Joon-il