청 "Reviewing Legal Grounds for Punishment of Insult and Defamation in YouTuber Death Case"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 22nd, the Blue House stated regarding the national petition demanding punishment for those involved in the 'YouTuber death case' that "we will strive to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted," and that a legal review on the possibility of punishment is currently underway.

The petition requests punishment for the YouTuber who spread false information causing cyberbullying related to a recently deceased YouTuber, as well as internet community users who harassed by posting malicious comments, and has garnered the support of 234,000 citizens.

The Blue House explained the situation, saying, "This case was reported to the police cybercrime reporting system in February, and the police began an investigation before formal charges. We have secured the original versions of four videos distributed by the YouTuber mentioned as the perpetrator in the petition, and witness investigations involving the victim's family and acquaintances have been conducted."

They added, "In cases of online harassment like this petition, commonly known as 'cyberbullying,' punishment is carried out under legal provisions such as insult and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. However, compared to the harm individuals suffer, the current legal protection system and punishments are insufficient. Although there is no complaint from the family at this time, since the investigative authorities are reviewing whether punishment is possible under insult and defamation laws, we will make efforts to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted."