Jang Wonyoung Defamation: "Cultivation Camp for Former Fans" Receives Suspended Prison Sentence... Starship Says "No Leniency for Cyber Wreckers"

Forfeiture of 210 Million Won Finalized

Cultivation Camp for Ex-Fans. Yonhap News

The Supreme Court has finalized a guilty verdict for the operator of the YouTube channel "Cultivation Camp for Former Fans," who maliciously defamed Jang Wonyoung of the group IVE and others, on charges of spreading false information and defamation.

On January 30, IVE's agency, Starship Entertainment, stated, "We will continue to take strong legal action without any leniency or settlement against all illegal acts, including the dissemination of false information, slander, defamation, and infringement of personality rights against our artists." The agency further emphasized, "We also plan to take all possible legal measures against so-called 'cyber wreckers' who exploit anonymity to spread fake news and cause cyberbullying."

The Supreme Court's Second Division (Presiding Justice Kwon Youngjun) on January 29 rejected the appeal of Mr. A (age 37), who was indicted on charges of defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act, and upheld the original sentence of two years in prison, suspended for three years. The order to pay a forfeiture of 210 million won and to perform 120 hours of community service was also maintained. The lower court found that even if unverified content was presented as speculation or suspicion, it constitutes the dissemination of false information if, in the overall context, it is perceived as fact.

Mr. A was found to have uploaded 23 videos defaming seven celebrities, including Jang Wonyoung, from October 2021 to June 2023, earning approximately 250 million won in profits. It was revealed that Mr. A produced fake videos, such as alleging that "Jang Wonyoung's jealousy prevented a fellow trainee's debut," and used the criminal proceeds to purchase real estate.

In a separate damages lawsuit filed by Jang Wonyoung, the court also finalized a ruling ordering Mr. A to pay 50 million won. Starship stated, "We will continue to monitor similar cases to prevent recurrence and will do our utmost to foster a healthy online culture."