First Trial: Two-Year Prison Sentence Suspended for Three Years
The prosecution has filed an appeal after a so-called "cyber lecca" (a YouTuber who spreads false information) who disseminated fake news about Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular idol group IVE, and earned hundreds of millions of won in profits, received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial.
According to Yonhap News on January 21, citing legal sources, the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office submitted an appeal to the court, contesting the first trial verdict that sentenced A, the operator of the YouTube channel 'Taldeok Suyongso,' to two years in prison with a three-year suspension. A was indicted on charges of defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, among other charges.
Previously, during the sentencing hearing for A held in October last year, the prosecution had sought four years in prison and the forfeiture of approximately 200 million won. The prosecution explained, "The defendant committed a serious crime that caused irreparable harm to the victims and earned substantial profits exceeding 200 million won," adding, "We decided to appeal considering the large number of victims and the fact that the defendant has not been forgiven by them."
On January 15, A was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for three years, along with a forfeiture of 210 million won and 120 hours of community service.
From October 2021 to June 2023, A was brought to trial on charges of defamation for uploading 23 videos defaming seven celebrities and influencers on the YouTube channel 'Taldeok Suyongso.' In particular, A posted 19 insulting videos targeting five of these individuals and was also indicted for obstruction of business against their agencies.
Investigations found that A produced and distributed false videos, such as claiming "Jang Wonyoung sabotaged a fellow trainee's debut out of jealousy" or "other celebrities engaged in prostitution or underwent plastic surgery."
After analyzing the YouTube channel's account, the prosecution found that A had earned 250 million won over two years, starting from June 2021.
A prosecution official stated, "We will continue to respond strictly to the posting of malicious content by so-called 'cyber lecca' offenders."
Meanwhile, Jang Wonyoung, who recently appeared on 'You Quiz on the Block,' shared her thoughts regarding malicious comments and content. At the time, Jang Wonyoung said, "These are people I have never met in person, and they only know a tiny part about me. The fact that they make such judgments based on just a few seconds of video is, to me, honestly..." expressing her feelings. She also said, "There is no pain without compensation."
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