YouTuber with 1.4 Million Subscribers Fined 7 Million KRW in First Trial for Unauthorized Use of 'Game of Thrones'

Uploaded Parts of the American Drama "Game of Thrones" on YouTube Without Copyright Holder's Consent or Approval

A YouTuber who gained 1.4 million subscribers through drama and movie review content was fined after uploading a video using an American drama without permission.

According to the legal community on the 18th, Judge Kim Bora of the Seoul Northern District Court Criminal Division 13 sentenced Mr. A (42), who was indicted for copyright infringement, to a fine of 7 million won on the 9th.

Seoul Northern District Court

Mr. A is accused of uploading parts of the American drama 'Game of Thrones' to his YouTube channel in June and July of last year without the consent or approval of the copyright holder.

The court pointed out, "The defendant committed the crime without restraint despite receiving copyright infringement reports and having videos sanctioned on YouTube for posting other works between September 2021 and November 2023," and added, "It appears that the economic benefits gained by the defendant from the crime were not insignificant."

According to the Copyright Act, infringing on copyright property rights or property rights protected under the law through public transmission, creation of derivative works, or other methods may result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. In such cases, imprisonment and fines may be imposed concurrently.