Taldeok Suyongso Earned 250 Million Won in YouTube Revenue Over Two Years
A YouTuber in their 30s who maliciously posted fake videos defaming celebrities, including Ive member Jang Wonyoung, on the internet and earned hundreds of millions of won in profits was sentenced to a suspended prison term.
On the 15th, Judge Kim Saetbyeol of the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 11 announced at the sentencing trial that YouTuber A (36, female), who was indicted on charges of defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year suspension. Judge Kim also ordered A to pay a fine of 210 million won and perform 120 hours of community service.
Judge Kim pointed out, "The defendant repeatedly defamed famous entertainers or posted provocative content on her YouTube channel, gaining considerable profits, which makes the guilt serious." However, she added, "The defendant has belatedly admitted and reflected on her actions, and since the case was publicized in the media, it seems she had an opportunity to deeply realize her wrongdoing," explaining the sentencing reasons by considering that A deposited 20 million won to Jang Wonyoung and a total of 60 million won to the victims.
YouTuber 'Taldeoksuyongso' (right), who was prosecuted for defaming singer Kang Daniel's honor, is leaving the courtroom with his lawyer after attending the sentencing hearing held on August 12 last year at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
A was indicted for posting 23 videos defaming seven celebrities and influencers on her YouTube channel 'Taldeok Suyongso' from October 2021 to June 2023, thereby damaging their reputations.
She was investigated for producing and distributing false videos claiming that "Jang Wonyoung was jealous and caused a fellow trainee's debut to be canceled" and that "other celebrities were involved in prostitution or had plastic surgery." A also faced charges of insult for uploading videos disparaging the appearances of two other female idol group members on her YouTube channel. Prosecutors analyzed the YouTube channel's account and found that A earned 250 million won over two years starting from June 2021.
Earlier, Jang Wonyoung filed a lawsuit against A for damages, citing continuous dissemination of false information that damaged her reputation. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff in January last year and ordered A to pay 100 million won.
Singer Kang Daniel also filed a lawsuit claiming similar damages and won a compensation judgment of 30 million won, while BTS members V and Jungkook filed a lawsuit against A last year seeking 90 million won in damages.
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