Sojang convicted of defaming Jang Wonyoung, BTS’s Jungkook & Taehyung and Kang Daniel

 The YouTuber behind the channel 'Sojang,' who gained notoriety for spreading defamatory content about celebrities like IVE's Jang Wonyoung, has been sentenced to probation for his actions. On January 15th, the Incheon District Court handed down a two-year prison sentence with a three-year probation period for Ms. Park, along with a fine of about 200 million KRW (roughly 137,000 USD).Presiding Judge Kim Saet Byeol stressed the seriousness of defamation, highlighting that it causes lasting damage to victims and must be addressed harshly. 

The court noted that Park repeatedly uploaded defamatory and provocative videos targeting high-profile celebrities, making substantial profits in the process. However, Park's eventual acknowledgment of his wrongdoing, his efforts to make amends, and the financial compensation he has provided to the victims were considered as mitigating factors. To date, Park has paid 60 million KRW in restitution, including 20 million KRW to Jang Wonyoung. Between October 2021 and June 2023, Park produced and spread 23 defamatory videos about various celebrities, including Jang Wonyoung, BTS’s Jungkook and V, and Kang Daniel, among others. These videos contained manipulated audio, edited footage, and false claims, often including body-shaming and offensive comments, generating 250 million KRW (about 171,000 USD) from ad revenue and subscriptions.

Park is currently facing several civil and criminal lawsuits:

1. Jang Wonyoung filed for 1 billion KRW in damages, with the court ruling in her favor in January, although Park has appealed.

2. Ongoing lawsuits from BTS members V and Jungkook.

3. Kang Daniel won 30 million KRW in damages during an initial trial, which Park is appealing.

4. SM Entertainment has also brought charges related to defamation of EXO’s Suho and aespa.

During the October trial, Park expressed regret, saying, "I became trapped in my own world on the internet and failed to discern right from wrong. I deeply regret my actions and promise to live responsibly moving forward."