[26.01.29] Supreme Court Finalizes Suspended Sentence for YouTuber Who Defamed Jang Wonyoung

YouTuber Who Defamed Jang Wonyoung, “Talduksooyongso” Operator, Receives Suspended Prison Sentence

📍Supreme Court Dismisses Appeal… Confiscation of 2.1 Billion Won and 120 Hours of Community Service Upheld

A suspended prison sentence has been finalized for the operator of the YouTube channel “Talduksooyongso,” who produced and posted malicious defamatory videos targeting celebrities including IVE member Jang Wonyoung and earned massive profits.

The operator of ‘Taldeoksu Yongso,’ who produced and posted malicious defamatory videos targeting celebrities like Jang Won-young to generate substantial profits, has received a final suspended prison sentence.

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🔹 Supreme Court Confirms Lower Court Ruling
On the 29th, the Supreme Court’s Second Division (Presiding Justice Kwon Young-jun) dismissed the appeal and finalized the lower court’s ruling sentencing A, the operator of the YouTube channel “Talduksooyongso,” to two years in prison with three years of probation on charges including defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. 
Accordingly, the confiscation of 2.1 billion won and the order to complete 120 hours of community service were also upheld. 

🔹 Both First and Second Trials Deemed “Justified”
Previously, the first trial sentenced A to two years in prison with three years of probation, 120 hours of community service, and confiscation of approximately 2 billion won in criminal proceeds.
A appealed the decision, but in November last year, the appellate court also dismissed the appeal, stating that the original ruling was justified.

🔹 23 Defamatory Videos Targeting Seven Celebrities
From October 2021 to June 2023, A was indicted for posting a total of 23 defamatory videos targeting seven celebrities, including entertainers and influencers, on the YouTube channel “Talduksooyongso.”

Investigations revealed that A produced and spread fake news based on false information during this period.

🔹 False Claims Including “Jang Wonyoung Blocked a Debut Out of Jealousy”
Notably, A was found to have produced videos claiming that “Jang Wonyoung blocked a fellow trainee’s debut out of jealousy,” as well as videos suggesting that other celebrities had engaged in prostitution or undergone plastic surgery.

These videos spread rapidly online, causing serious reputational damage and psychological harm to the victims.

🔹 2.5 Billion Won Earned Through Fake News
A operated the channel using a paid membership system with multiple tiers and earned approximately 2.5 billion won over about two years.
It was also confirmed that the criminal proceeds were used to purchase real estate. Following the controversy, the YouTube channel was deleted.

🔹 Civil Lawsuits by Jang Wonyoung and BTS Members Also Successful
Separately from the criminal case, Jang Wonyoung filed a civil lawsuit for damages against A in 2023, and a second-instance ruling ordering A to pay 50 million won to Jang Wonyoung was finalized in February last year.

In addition, on the 23rd, the Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Appellate Division 2-1 ruled in favor of BTS members V and Jungkook and their agency BigHit Music, ordering A to pay 5 million won each plus delayed interest.
The court partially overturned the first-instance ruling and increased the compensation amounts.

🔹 Warning Against Malicious YouTube Practices
The ruling is seen as a clear message from the judiciary that it will hold individuals strictly accountable for so-called “cyber wrecker” activities that generate profits through falsehoods and malicious content.

One-line summary : The operator of the YouTube channel “Talduksooyongso,” who defamed celebrities including Jang Wonyoung for profit, has received a suspended prison sentence finalized by the Supreme Court.