Prosecutors Appeal Sentence for Youtuber Sojang Over Defamation of IVE Jang Wonyoung and Others
Prosecutors have filed an appeal against the first trial sentence of Youtuber Sojang, who was convicted of defaming IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and other celebrities through malicious videos. The appeal was submitted on January 21, 2025, citing that the initial sentence was too lenient given the severity of the crimes.
Background on the Case
Youtuber Sojang, who operated a YouTube channel targeting celebrities, was sentenced in the first trial to two years in prison with a three-year suspended sentence, along with a fine of 2.1 billion KRW (approximately $1.6 million) and 120 hours of community service. Prosecutors had originally sought a four-year prison term and a fine of 2 billion KRW.
From October 2021 to June 2023, Sojang uploaded 23 defamatory videos targeting seven celebrities, including IVE’s Jang Wonyoung. These videos spread false claims such as personal attacks and fabricated rumors, causing significant harm to the victims’ reputations. Sojang also obstructed the operations of talent agencies by posting offensive content about five of these individuals.
Prosecutors’ Grounds for Appeal
Prosecutors argued that the initial sentence failed to reflect the gravity of Sojang’s actions:
- Severe Damage to Victims: The false videos caused irreparable harm to the affected celebrities.
- Financial Gain from Malicious Content: Sojang earned over 2.5 billion KRW (approximately $1.9 million) through YouTube ads and a paid membership system.
- Lack of Forgiveness from Victims: None of the victims have pardoned Sojang for their actions.
The prosecution emphasized that such “cyber defamation” cases require strict penalties to deter similar crimes. They stated, “This is a serious crime where false content was deliberately created and distributed, leading to immense suffering for the victims. We will respond firmly to such acts.”
Court’s Initial Ruling
During the first trial on January 15, 2025, the court acknowledged that Sojang’s actions were severe, stating:
“The defendant repeatedly posted defamatory and provocative content about famous celebrities on their YouTube channel, earning significant profits in the process.”
However, the court considered mitigating factors such as Sojang admitting their guilt and showing remorse late in the process, which led to a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.
False Claims Against Jang Wonyoung
Among the false claims spread by Sojang were baseless rumors about IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, including allegations about her personal life and professional conduct. These videos not only damaged her reputation but also led her agency to file lawsuits for defamation and obstruction of business.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The case has drawn widespread attention as an example of the growing problem of “cyber defamation” in South Korea. Fans have expressed outrage over Sojang’s actions and are calling for stricter punishment to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The appeal highlights ongoing efforts by prosecutors to ensure harsher penalties for those who exploit social media platforms for malicious purposes. The final verdict will set an important precedent for how such cases are handled moving forward.
As this legal battle continues, all eyes are on how the court will address this case in light of its broader implications for online accountability and celebrity protection.
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