The operator of the YouTube channel "Taldeoksoongso," who produced and distributed false defamatory videos targeting celebrities including Ive's Jang Wonyoung and pocketed revenue in the hundreds of millions of won, was sentenced to prison again at the appeals trial.
On the 17th, according to a Newsis report, the Incheon District Court Criminal Appeals Division 1-3 (presiding judge Jang Min-seok, Director General) held the closing trial the day before for former YouTuber A, who was indicted on defamation charges under the Information and Communications Network Act. Earlier, the first trial sentenced A to two years in prison with a three-year suspension of sentence, ordered 120 hours of community service and the forfeiture of about 200 million won.
The prosecution said the first trial was too lenient and again sought a four-year prison sentence. The prosecution noted, "There are many victims, and there is no fact of forgiveness at all," and said, "The crime is serious because A ran a paid program and pocketed revenue in the 200 million won range."
In his final statement, A said through tears, "I didn't know it was wrong to compile posts and comments into a video. I now clearly realize it," and added, "My personal information has been revealed, I live under a stigma, and I am enduring while receiving psychiatric treatment. Please give me one last chance to live as a proper member of society."
A was indicted on charges of posting more than 20 false videos targeting celebrities and influencers through the YouTube channel "Taldeoksoongso" from October 2021 to June 2023. From unverified claims such as "Jang Wonyoung was jealous and a fellow trainee's debut was canceled" to allegations of sex work and cosmetic surgery, A produced provocative videos, ran a paid membership, and was found to have earned about 250 million won over roughly two years.
The appeals sentencing hearing will be held on Nov. 11.
[Photo] OSEN DB
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