Posting the conversation on SNS and expressing intent to sue
Increase in fines as the level of insult and defamation rises
Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon revealed the malicious comments he received and expressed his intention to file a lawsuit for insult. On the 11th, Hong Seok-cheon posted on his social media (SNS) a direct message (DM) conversation he had with a netizen on Instagram. According to the conversation he shared, the netizen abruptly insulted Hong Seok-cheon, saying, "Hey, you f***er, do you think only you deserve good things?"
Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon revealed the malicious comments he received and expressed his intention to file a lawsuit for defamation. On the 11th, Hong Seok-cheon shared a direct message (DM) conversation with a netizen on his social networking service (SNS). In the conversation he disclosed, the netizen abruptly insulted Hong Seok-cheon, saying, "Hey, you son of a b****, do you think it's all right if only you have good things?" [Photo by Hong Seok-cheon Instagram]
In response, Hong Seok-cheon said, "I will sue you. My lawyer says this is grounds for a lawsuit, so wait." Then, the netizen's attitude suddenly changed, apologizing, "I'm sorry. I just thought only the 'Boseokham' hyung gets to see good things." Suddenly, he turned hostile again, saying, "But what will you sue me for? Go ahead and sue. I'll turn it around and sue you for false accusation."
Hong Seok-cheon expressed his bewilderment, saying, "'Boseokham' makes you feel like this? It's been a while since I've seen such a malicious comment." Since Hong Seok-cheon officially disclosed this situation, it seems he will proceed with the lawsuit as announced. The 'Boseokham' mentioned by the netizen refers to Hong Seok-cheon's YouTube channel, 'Hong Seok-cheon's Boseokham.' This channel features conversations with male celebrities, and recently Hong Seok-cheon interviewed trending male stars such as actor Byun Woo-seok, Yeo Jin-goo, and the group RISE. In particular, the episode with Byun Woo-seok, who has received much love after the tvN drama 'Seonjae Upgo Twieo' ended, recorded 3.13 million views.
Celebrities Exhausted by Malicious Comments, No More Leniency After Lawsuits
As much as they receive support and cheers, celebrities also face malicious comments and criticism, and their attitude toward such comments has recently changed. In the past, rumors were often ignored and malicious commenters were treated leniently, but now the policy has shifted to 'pursuing until the end' after filing lawsuits. YouTubers or malicious commenters who used overseas sites or anonymity are now held accountable for their words. So-called 'malicious commenters' can be punished under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, insult under the Criminal Act, or obstruction of business.
According to Article 70 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, a person who publicly reveals facts through an information and communications network with the intent to defame another person and damages their reputation shall be punished by imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won. A person who publicly reveals false facts through an information and communications network with the intent to defame another person and damages their reputation shall be punished by imprisonment for up to 7 years, suspension of qualifications for up to 10 years, or a fine of up to 50 million won. [Photo by Asia Economy]
According to Article 70 of the Information and Communications Network Act, a person who publicly defames another through the information and communications network with the intent to slander shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. If the person publicly defames another by revealing false facts through the information and communications network with the intent to slander, they shall be punished by imprisonment for up to seven years, suspension of qualifications for up to ten years, or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Most malicious commenters receive suspended sentences, but as the level of insult and defamation increases, the number of cases receiving fines is also rising. Currently, the entertainment industry is determined to ensure that malicious commenters are punished to the end regardless of their remorse. Even if it takes months or years to reach a conclusion, they intend to make an example by making them pay the price. Meanwhile, legislation is also being discussed to punish YouTubers based overseas, whose identities are difficult to ascertain.
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