YouTube Channel 'Sojang' Operator Receives Suspended Sentence Again in Appeal

The operator of the YouTube channel 'Sojang', accused of maliciously defaming celebrities including Jang Won-young of IVE, has again received a suspended prison sentence in an appeal.

The Incheon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division 1-3 on the 11th upheld the original sentence of two years in prison, suspended for three years, for charges including defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

The court also maintained the forfeiture of approximately 210 million won from the 250 million won in profits allegedly earned through the creation and dissemination of fabricated videos, along with a 120-hour community service order.

The appellate court stated that the initial sentence was neither excessive nor lenient, considering all sentencing factors, and dismissed appeals from both the prosecution and the defense.

The operator, identified as 'A' (36), ran 'Sojang' from October 2021 until its closure in June 2023, allegedly posting 23 videos containing false information targeting seven public figures, including Jang Won-young, other celebrities, and influencers.

These fabricated rumors included baseless claims such as Jang Won-young causing a fellow trainee's debut to be canceled due to jealousy, and other celebrities engaging in prostitution or undergoing plastic surgery. Through these actions, 'A' is reported to have gained illicit profits of approximately 250 million won.

Separately, Jang Won-young's legal representatives have already secured a partial victory in a civil lawsuit against 'A', with the court ordering 'A' to pay 50 million won in damages to Jang Won-young personally and another 50 million won to her agency, Starship Entertainment.

Korean netizens reacted strongly, with many commenting, "This should serve as a warning to those who spread false information and harm celebrities." Others expressed concern that the sentence might still be too lenient given the damage caused, stating, "The profits and the suspended sentence feel insufficient for the harm inflicted."