Prosecutors are seeking a four-year prison sentence and a fine of 21 million KRW against the controversial YouTuber known as Sojang, whose real name is Ms. Park, for defamation charges involving major K-pop idols. This case, which has garnered widespread attention in South Korea, involves claims of slander and the spread of false information about celebrities like IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and EXO’s Suho, among others.

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

On October 23, 2024, the Incheon District Court’s Criminal Division 11 held a hearing to discuss Ms. Park’s indictment under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. Prosecutors in the case are pushing for a strong penalty due to the seriousness of the defamation, which allegedly caused significant damage to the reputations and careers of the victims.

Ms. Park, operating under the alias Sojang, had been accused of spreading false rumors about various K-pop idols, leading to severe public backlash. Among her alleged victims are Jang Wonyoung from IVE and Suho from EXO, both of whom have filed defamation suits alongside their respective agencies, Starship Entertainment and SM Entertainment. The prosecution’s request for the prison sentence and fine was based on Ms. Park’s repeated insults and false accusations, which they claim she published to her YouTube channel for personal financial gain.

Impact on Victims and Financial Profits

The prosecution has pointed out that Ms. Park’s activities had a direct impact on the management of the idols’ careers, which in turn affected their agencies. The YouTuber not only gained attention by targeting these public figures but also allegedly profited from her channel through a paid membership service. According to reports, her profits from these videos reached around 250 million KRW.

Among the affected idols, aespa’s Karina, Kang Daniel, and BTS’ V were also named as victims in the case, highlighting the widespread nature of the allegations against her. Ms. Park had previously faced legal action from Kang Daniel and was sentenced to pay 10 million KRW in a trial that concluded last month.

Defense Response and Attempts at Settlement

While Ms. Park’s lawyer acknowledged the charges brought against her, they argued that her actions were not entirely driven by profit. The defense noted that she is now engaged in volunteer work and is undergoing mental health treatment, suggesting that Ms. Park is attempting to rectify her behavior. Additionally, the lawyer indicated ongoing attempts to reach a settlement with the victims, with the hope of reducing her sentence through mediation efforts.

Upcoming Verdict

The final decision in this high-profile defamation case is expected on December 18, when the court will determine Ms. Park’s fate. This case has raised significant concerns in South Korea over the ethics and legality of online content creation, especially where public figures are concerned. If found guilty, Ms. Park could face a substantial prison term and fine, serving as a potential warning to other content creators who use defamation for profit.

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