A's operation of the YouTube channel Defector's Refuge, which stirred controversy by producing false and defamatory videos targeting famous celebrities including IVE member Jang Wonyoung, has received a suspended prison sentence in the appellate court.
On the 11th, the Incheon District Court's Criminal Appeal Division 1-3 (Presiding Judge Jang Min-seok) upheld the first-instance ruling that sentenced A to 2 years in prison with a 3-year suspension, for charges of defamation and insult under the Information and Communication Network Act. The court explained, "The sentence was determined after thoroughly considering various sentencing factors in the first instance, and I do not find the sentence to be excessively heavy or light, therefore both sides' appeals are dismissed."
The court also maintained the first-instance ruling, which ordered A to pay 210 million KRW as confiscation and perform 120 hours of community service. A's request to reduce the confiscation was not accepted.
A is accused of posting false and defamatory videos about seven celebrities, including Jang Wonyoung of IVE, 23 times on the YouTube channel Defector's Refuge from October 2021 to June 2023. It was revealed that A repeatedly spread malicious falsehoods, claiming that "Jang Wonyoung sabotaged a fellow trainee's debut" or alleging "famous celebrities engaged in prostitution and plastic surgery."
According to the prosecution's investigation, A generated approximately 250 million KRW in advertising and paid membership revenue from these videos. Some videos reportedly mocked the appearance of female idols and distorted them into provocative content through voice alteration and editing.
The first-instance court sentenced A to 2 years in prison and a 3-year suspension in January. The prosecution appealed, arguing that the sentence was too lenient, while A's side contended that the sentence was too harsh and the confiscation excessive, but the appellate court did not accept either party's arguments.
A has been criticized for repeatedly producing defamation content about celebrities through a channel with more than 60,000 subscribers, which incited social controversy.
Currently, Jang Wonyoung has filed a civil lawsuit against A for damages amounting to 100 million KRW, separate from the criminal case, and has obtained a court ruling ordering A to compensate 50 million KRW to Jang Wonyoung and 50 million KRW to her agency Starship Entertainment.