Repeat Offender Fined Again for Malicious Comments Against K-Pop Star IU

A man in his 40s, previously fined for posting malicious comments about singer and actress IU, has been fined again for similar offenses.

On the 5th, the Seoul Central District Court's Judge Lim Jeong-bin sentenced the man, identified as Kim, to a fine of 3 million won for defamation.

Kim was accused of posting comments with sexual content and questioning if IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, bribed a judge in February last year.

Kim claimed he did not write the comments and argued that the victim was not specifically identified. He also contended that the comments did not harm IU's social reputation and thus did not constitute defamation.

The court rejected Kim's defense, noting that he denied the crime, showed no remorse, and had not been forgiven by the victim. The court also pointed out that Kim had two prior convictions for similar offenses.

In December last year, Kim was fined 3 million won for posting four derogatory comments about IU's attire and singing skills in April 2022.

It was revealed last November that there are approximately 180 individuals accused of similar offenses, with additional lawsuits pending.

Reported by Ji-won Kim, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr