'Carelessly Badmouthed on YouTube'... 40s YouTuber Sentenced to a Fine

Dispute Over Previously Poor Relations
"Many Viewers Learned New Facts"

A YouTuber in their 40s who disclosed another person's criminal record during their own YouTube live broadcast was sentenced to a fine. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] A man in his 40s who disclosed another person's criminal record during his YouTube live broadcast was sentenced to a fine.

On the 25th, Lee Suhyun, Chief Judge of Criminal Division 1 at Cheongju District Court, announced that he sentenced Mr. A, who was indicted for defamation, to a fine of 2 million won.

Mr. A was prosecuted for posting a screenshot of the prosecution's notification letter stating that Mr. B was summarily indicted for the crime of intimidation during his live YouTube broadcast at his home in Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, in October last year.

At the time, Mr. A had even filed a criminal complaint against Mr. B. The two were reportedly on bad terms, frequently criticizing each other during broadcasts and chats.

Mr. A denied the charges, claiming that although he did broadcast, he had no intention to defame Mr. B, but this was not accepted.

Chief Judge Lee pointed out, "Many viewers newly learned about the victim's criminal disposition, and posts criticizing the victim were also made."

He added, "Considering various circumstances, it is recognized that the defendant had the intent to defame. Taking into account the circumstances after the defendant's crime and the fact that there were no changes after the summary order, the sentence was determined considering all factors."

Mr. A has filed an appeal against the ruling.