A Woman in Her 30s Who Left Malicious Comments on IU Appeals for Leniency, Claiming "Mental Illness"

IU's Side Proceeding with Lawsuit Against Over 180 People

The prosecution has requested a four-month prison sentence from the court for a woman in her 30s who posted malicious comments about singer and actress IU.

According to the legal community on the 26th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 16 (Presiding Judge Lee Kyung-sun) held a sentencing hearing on the 15th for Ms. A, a woman in her 30s who was tried on charges of insulting IU. On that day, the prosecution demanded a four-month prison sentence for Ms. A.

According to the prosecution's investigation, Ms. A is accused of posting four comments in April 2022 that disparaged IU's clothing, singing ability, and remarks. At the trial, Ms. A pleaded for leniency, saying, "I was simply expressing personal preference," and added, "I suffer from a mental illness, so my sentence construction is poor. I ask for mercy."

Singer and actress IU. Instagram capture

Ms. A's legal representative argued, "These were opinions based on facts," and claimed, "Although there were unpleasant or offensive expressions, the crime of insult is not established."

IU's side released an official statement regarding the lawsuit through her agency, Edam Entertainment, on the 11th. Over last year and this year, the agency has filed complaints against about 180 individuals, and so far, there have been rulings including six fines, three conditional prosecutions with education by the Ministry of Education, and one conditional prosecution with probation supervision.

Regarding suspects who committed sexual harassment and death threats against IU, fines have been requested, but they have appealed and are awaiting formal trial results.

Edam Entertainment stated, "We and our affiliated artist clearly declare that there will be no settlements or leniency toward malicious commenters," and warned, "We will continue to respond strongly to those who write malicious posts, so we ask that illegal activities on online platforms be stopped."