Yeong-suk(pseudonym), a 16th-generation member who appeared on the entertainment program ‘I am Solo ‘, was brought to court for exposing the private life of Sang-cheol(pseudonym), a fellow member, and was eventually found guilty of defamation.

On the 9th, Judge Heo Jeong-in of the 10th Criminal Division of the Daegu District Court sentenced Ms.Baek(broadcast name Youngsook), who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection(defamation)and insult, to a fine of 2 million won.
The court ruled that “the victim’s social reputation was seriously damaged by publishing false information,” and that “the victim suffered significant mental distress, and the content was widely distributed online, causing significant social repercussions.”

The incident began after the broadcast ended.Baek revealed private conversations with Kang Mo(broadcast name Sang-cheol), whom he had developed feelings for through the broadcast, through SNS and live broadcasts.The revealed messages contained provocative content such as obscene expressions, also known as ‘Padrip’, and Baek was indicted on charges of exaggerating and distorting them and distributing them.

The prosecution requested a fine of 2 million won at the final hearing held on the 11th of last month.The trial was held in private for reasons such as protecting the victim’s safety, and the court pointed out that the act of disclosing real names and conversations as they were “going beyond the scope of common sense.” It also added that “considering the extent of the defamation and the media’s influence, it is difficult to see it as being in the public interest.”

Sang-cheol shared his thoughts on this ruling through his SNS.He uploaded a screenshot of a related article and wrote, “I would like to thank those who believed in me and supported me,” and “I hope that this will be a comfort to those who watched this case and those who suffered secondary damage by saying, ‘The law is working.’”

He continued, “Young-sook and others slandered me and exaggerated and fabricated private conversations that the public did not need to know about, and spread them,” adding, “All kinds of rumors and fake rumors not only hurt me, but also those around me.” He said, “This ruling cannot fully heal my wounds, but I will hold my accomplices accountable and watch what they do.”

Attorney Lee Yong-ik of Attention Law Firm, who is Sang-cheol’s legal representative, also said, “This ruling clearly reveals responsibility for the spread of false information,” and “We plan to pursue a civil damages claim against Mr.Baek and others in the future.”


Reporter Yang com -mo hmyang0307@donga

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.