IVE's Jang Wonyoung Defamation Case: YouTuber Faces Four-Year Jail Demand From Prosecutors, Final Verdict On...

The

controversy surrounding the infamous YouTube channel Taldeok Sooyongso took a major turn as the Incheon District Court held its first appeal hearing on October 16 for the 37-year-old creator accused of defaming several celebrities, including K-pop idol Jang Wonyoung. The YouTuber can get up to 4 years in prison.

YouTuber who defamed Wonyoung might spend 4 years in jail

According to Allkpop reports, the Incheon District Court’s Criminal Appellate Division 1-3, presided over by Chief Judge Jang Min Seok, conducted the appeal hearing and closing arguments for the defendant, referred to as A, who was charged under the Information and Communications Network Act for defamation.In the initial trial, the YouTuber was sentenced to two years in prison with three years of probation, 120 hours of community service, and was ordered to forfeit over 200 million KRW (approximately Rs 1,23,80,320). However, both sides appealed the ruling, the defense claiming the sentence was too heavy, and the prosecution arguing it was too lenient.

Prosecutors demand harsher sentence

During the appeal, prosecutors once again demanded a four-year prison sentence, maintaining their original stance from the first trial. Meanwhile, the defense argued that the accused had shown genuine remorse, voluntarily deleted the Taldeok Sooyongso channel, and even deposited compensation money prior to sentencing. They also stressed that the YouTuber has faced severe public backlash and is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.In her final statement, the defendant expressed deep regret, saying, "I created videos based on online posts and comments, believing I was fulfilling the public’s right to know. Now I clearly understand how wrong that was.” She further added, “My personal information was exposed, and I have lived under public stigma. Please give me one last chance to reflect on my mistakes."The appellate court will deliver its final verdict on November 11.