- By Srishti Pandey
- Fri, 17 Jan 2025 12:35 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
On January 14, YouTuber Sojang received a two-year prison sentence and three years of probation for defaming several South Korean celebrities, including BTS members Jungkook and V, IVE's Jang Wonyoung, and soloist Kang Daniel. The Incheon District Court also imposed a fine of 200 million KRW (approximately 137,000 USD) and ordered 120 hours of community service.
Sojang, who gained notoriety for uploading defamatory videos from October 2021 to June 2023, targeted various K-pop idols and artists. Her videos included unverified claims and heavily edited content designed to spread false narratives about celebrities. Topics ranged from allegations of prostitution and plastic surgery to personal attacks on their appearances and love lives.
Sojang has been sentenced to 2 years suspended imprisonment, 3 years probation and was ordered to pay 200 million won in restitution on difamation charges, following her harassment against Wonyoung. pic.twitter.com/dtMPljiVhQ
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) January 15, 2025
The defamatory content led to legal actions from the affected celebrities and their agencies. Jang Wonyoung filed a lawsuit demanding 1 billion KRW in damages, which the court upheld. BTS members Jungkook and V sought 90 million KRW for harm to their reputations. Soloist Kang Daniel secured 30 million KRW in damages during the first trial, though Sojang has appealed the ruling. SM Entertainment also pursued legal action for defamation against EXO's Suho and aespa.
The court revealed that Sojang earned approximately 250 million KRW (around 171,000 USD) from ad revenue and paid memberships for her controversial videos. Despite the financial success, the presiding judge, Kim Saet Byeol, highlighted the seriousness of defamation crimes, stating, "Defamation causes irreparable harm to victims and must be dealt with severely."