A suspended prison sentence has been finalized for the operator of a YouTube channel that churned out defamatory videos based on unverified rumors about IVE’s JANGWONYOUNG and others ― and JANGWONYOUNG’s camp is signaling zero tolerance going forward.
On Jan. 29, the Supreme Court’s Second Division dismissed the appeal of A (38), the operator of the channel known as “Taldeok Sooyongso”, upholding a lower court ruling on criminal defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. The judgment stands at two years in prison, suspended for three years, 120 hours of community service, and the forfeiture of roughly 200 million won in illicit gains.
On Jan. 30, Starship Entertainment said in a statement, “Protecting our artists’ rights is our top priority. We will continue to pursue strong legal action ― without leniency or settlement ― against all illegal acts, including the spread of false information, slander, defamation, and violations of personality rights.”
Addressing the court’s decision, Starship added, “Even if unverified claims are framed as ‘questions’ or ‘suspicions,’ if the overall context leads viewers to take them as fact, it can constitute the dissemination of false information. The court also affirmed that celebrities deserve full protection of their honor and personality rights.”
The company also warned it will crack down on so-called “cyber wrecker” behavior ― anonymous accounts that push fake news and clickbait videos and Shorts that fuel cyberbullying ― saying it plans to pursue every possible remedy under the law, including criminal complaints. “We’re grateful to everyone who has supported our artist and provided information, helping us protect her rights,” the statement continued.
From October 2021 to June 2023, A posted 23 videos laced with false claims and malicious rumors about seven celebrities and influencers, prosecutors said, while earning an estimated 250 million won over nearly two years through paid memberships and other monetization.
Separately from the criminal case, JANGWONYOUNG won a civil judgment ordering A to pay 50 million won in damages. A related damages claim by Starship Entertainment concluded through compulsory mediation.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)