Prosecutors have requested a fine of 3 million KRW (~2,190 USD) for the operator of the YouTube channel Sojang, who is on trial for defaming singer Kang Daniel.

The prosecution made this request during the final hearing on August 12, held at the Seoul Central District Court under Judge Lee Joon Gu, citing a violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (Defamation).

In her final statement, the defendant, referred to as Ms. A, expressed regret, saying, "At the time, I was immature and lacked judgment. I am sorry for the harm my thoughtless actions caused the victims." She added, "I will make efforts to contribute positively to society, including through volunteer work."

Judge Lee has scheduled the sentencing for September 11 at 2:00 PM.

Ms. A was brought to trial for posting a video titled "The Promiscuous Private Life of the Nation’s Boyfriend, Actor, and Idol" on her YouTube channel 'Sojang' in 2022, which allegedly defamed Kang Daniel.

Initially, the prosecution sought to impose the 3 million KRW fine through a summary indictment, a procedure where a fine is requested without a formal trial. However, the court decided to proceed with a full trial.

During the trial, Ms. A admitted to producing and posting the video but claimed, "I believed the content of the video to be true when I uploaded it."

In a related case, Ms. A also lost a lawsuit filed by Jang Wonyoung for damages. Jang Won Young filed the lawsuit in October last year, alleging that Ms. A had posted defamatory false information about her on Sojang YouTube channel.

In December, the court ordered Ms. A to pay 100 million KRW (~72,999.14 USD) to Jang Won Young. Although Ms. A appealed the decision, the case went through mediation without reaching a settlement, and the appeal trial is still ongoing.

Korean netizens commented:

"Only 3 million KRW?"

"I think she's going to think 'It's only 3 million KRW... I'll just easily pay the fine'."

"She constantly and consistently defamed so many celebrities. And she's only given a fine of 3 million KRW??"

"Only 3 million KRW... Sigh... It seems like the concept of monetary value in Korean law is still stuck in the 60s and 70s."

"For reference, this is the punishment that the prosecution has requested, and if the judge accepts it, it will become the final ruling. Also, this pertains to a criminal case. So if the fine is confirmed, it means the guilt is recognized, and after that, a civil lawsuit can be filed to claim damages."

"She probably thought she wouldn’t get caught. Do you think someone like that would genuinely reflect on her actions? She must have enjoyed making money by spreading fake news while being consumed by her delusions, but now any apology just seems insincere and hypocritical."

"Please be more harsh to YouTubers like her."

"The fine is too small. Spreading false information can ruin someone's life, so the punishment should be increased."

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