YouTuber Sentenced for Defamation Against K-Pop Stars Including BTS and IVE's Jang Wonyoung

A 30-year-old YouTuber, identified as A, has been sentenced to a suspended prison term for posting malicious fake videos defaming K-pop stars such as IVE's Jang Wonyoung, Kang Daniel, and BTS members V and Jungkook, among others.

On the 15th, Judge Kim Saetbyeol of the Incheon District Court sentenced A (36) to two years in prison, suspended for three years, on charges of defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. Although found guilty, A avoided actual imprisonment. The judge also ordered A to pay a fine of 210 million won and complete 120 hours of community service.

From October 2021 to June 2023, A uploaded 23 videos defaming seven celebrities, including entertainers and influencers, on their YouTube channel 'Taldeok Detention Center.' A fabricated and spread false videos claiming, "Jang Wonyoung sabotaged a fellow trainee's debut out of jealousy," and "other celebrities were involved in prostitution or had plastic surgery."

Prosecutors found that A earned 250 million won over two years from June 2021 through the YouTube channel.

Previously, Jang Wonyoung filed a lawsuit against A for defamation due to the continuous spread of false information, and the court ruled in favor of Jang in January last year, ordering A to pay 100 million won. A appealed the decision and requested a suspension of the enforcement, claiming the compensation amount was excessive. In response, Jang Wonyoung's agency, Starship Entertainment, stated, "We are making every effort to hold A accountable both civilly and criminally and will take all possible legal actions without settlement for any further defamation or damage."

Singer Kang Daniel also filed a lawsuit for similar damages and was awarded 30 million won. BTS members V and Jungkook filed a lawsuit against A last year, seeking 90 million won in damages.

Reporter Jiye Choi, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr