South Korean actor Gong Yoo has won a major legal victory after a court ruled in his favor against a woman who falsely accused him of harassment. The Daejeon District Court sentenced the woman to six months in prison, suspended for two years of probation, for spreading false claims online.
The woman, identified only as A, posted 235 defamatory comments between January 2020 and March 2021, accusing Gong Yoo of threatening and harassing her. During a live broadcast in January 2020, she wrote:
“I’m being threatened from behind, and there isn’t a single day I haven’t been threatened. He torments me to the point of neurosis.”
Investigations confirmed that Gong Yoo had no connection with the woman, and her claims were entirely false.
Court Rules False Accusations as Serious Crime
The court found the woman guilty under South Korea’s Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilisation and Information Protection. The judge stated:
“The claims made by A are completely groundless and, beyond that, she repeatedly spread false information over a long period.”
The court also noted that while public figures like Gong Yoo face public scrutiny, the false accusations were severe and damaging. The woman had two prior convictions for similar offenses, but her admission of guilt and willingness to seek treatment influenced the suspended sentence.
Gong Yoo’s Agency Takes Strong Legal Stand
Gong Yoo’s agency, Management SOOP, issued a statement emphasizing zero tolerance for false accusations and online defamation. They said:
“The defendant has been habitually spreading false information and malicious comments about Gong Yoo since 2020. We will maintain real-time monitoring and take firm legal action against any defamatory posts.”
The agency also thanked fans for reporting harmful content and assured continued protection of their artists’ rights.
Impact on Gong Yoo’s Career and Public Image
Gong Yoo, famous for Squid Game, Train to Busan, and Goblin, has not publicly commented on the case. However, the ruling clears his name after years of false allegations.
The case highlights the serious consequences of spreading misinformation, especially against celebrities. Legal experts say this ruling sets a precedent for holding online defamers accountable.
Gong Yoo’s Upcoming Projects
Despite the legal battle, Gong Yoo remains active in entertainment. He will star in Netflix’s upcoming drama Show Business, alongside Song Hye-kyo, known for The Glory.
Fans worldwide have shown support, celebrating the court’s decision and looking forward to his new projects.
Also read: Gong Yoo Rejects Coffee Truck But Seo Hyun Jin Sends It Anyway – Song Hye Kyo Joins the Fun
Credits: News reports from The Daily Star, Moneycontrol.
