A person surnamed Park in his 30s, the operator of the YouTube channel "Taldeok Prison Camp," who maliciously slandered famous entertainers including Jang Won-young of the group IVE and spread fake news on his YouTube channel, had a suspended prison sentence finalized.
The Supreme Court's Second Division (Presiding Justice Kwon Young-jun) on the 29th upheld the lower court's sentence in the final appeal of Park, who was indicted on charges including violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation), confirming two years in prison suspended for three years, a forfeiture of 210 million won, and 120 hours of community service.
From Oct. 2021 to June 2023, Park posted 23 false videos slandering seven people, including entertainers and influencers such as Jang Won-young, on the YouTube channel "Taldeok Prison Camp."
Park also produced and distributed fake news videos, such as claiming "Jang Won-young's jealousy derailed a fellow trainee's debut." Through this, over about two years, Park took in 250 million won in revenue. Park purchased real estate and other assets with the criminal proceeds.
Park created sensational videos using methods such as voice modulation and spliced editing. As controversy grew, the YouTube channel was shut down.
Jang Won-young is also pursuing a civil lawsuit against Park. Jang Won-young and her agency, Starship Entertainment, each filed a damages suit seeking around 100 million won. In the first trial, the court ordered Park to pay 50 million won each to Jang Won-young and Starship Entertainment. BTS members V and Jungkook also partially won their civil suits against Park.