Fake News Surge like 'The Culprit is a Friend', 'GeuAl Bribery Allegation'
Friend's Side "Beyond Tolerable Limits" Warns Lawsuit Against Netizens
Memorial space for the late Son Jeong-min set up at Banpo Hangang Park, Seocho-gu, Seoul./Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Regarding the case of the late Son Jeong-min, who went missing at Hangang Park and was later found dead, the side of friend A, who drank with him, has finally decided to sue YouTubers and netizens who spread false information and other defamatory content.
The law firm One & Partners, representing A, issued a statement on the 4th, saying, "Based on tens of thousands of collected materials, we have decided to respond with a zero-tolerance policy toward all perpetrators."
One & Partners stated, "Despite multiple requests to stop illegal activities, only a few have complied, and instead of posts being deleted, they are increasing. Some content has exceeded the limit of tolerance, causing increasing harm and suffering to A and his family."
The firm added that YouTubers, post authors, and malicious commenters who spread false information about A and his family, raise baseless suspicions, disclose personal information, defame, insult, or threaten them will be subject to lawsuits.
However, they said, "If you hope for leniency or wish to avoid being sued, please delete the posts and comments, and send an email with photos before and after deletion along with your intention for leniency and contact information." They also added, "Those who have already deleted posts should contact us as lawsuits may proceed based on pre-deletion materials."
The lawyer representing Mr. A, a friend of the late Jeongmin Son, filed a complaint with the police on the 1st against a YouTuber who spread false information. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, indiscriminate speculation and conspiracy theories about A circulated on YouTube and social networking services (SNS).
Most of these claimed or speculated that A was the culprit of the incident. Rumors also spread that A’s family includes high-ranking police officials or that A’s father is a doctor at a hospital in Seoul.
For example, a shaman YouTuber speculated on the cause of Son’s death, claiming there was a dispute between Son and A, and that Son appeared to have been struck by A’s cellphone, among other unverified assertions.
Meanwhile, a YouTuber claimed on the 29th of last month that SBS’s program "Unanswered Questions" covered Son’s case because "A requested the broadcast to reverse public opinion."
This YouTuber posted a fabricated conversation in which A’s lawyer supposedly requested an SBS reporter to air content favorable to A, and the reporter accepted.
One & Partners announced on the 1st that they have also filed a lawsuit against this YouTuber for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Telecommunications Business Act, and obstruction of business.
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