A malicious commenter who continuously subjected actor Shin Sae-kyeong to intimidation and sexual insults has been sentenced to prison in an appeal and taken into legal custody.
On November 2, the agency The Present Company announced, "On October 22, the malicious commenter who repeatedly engaged in continuous threats and malicious defamation against our agency's actor Shin Sae-kyeong was sentenced to 8 months in prison during the appeal trial held at the Seoul Eastern District Court and was taken into custody in the courtroom."
According to the appellate court ruling, the defendant repeatedly wrote hundreds of derogatory profanities and insulting posts targeting Shin Sae-kyeong anonymously over a period of about two months. It was also confirmed that the defendant targeted the actor's family, posting threatening messages implying physical harm.
The court pointed out the severity of the offense, stating, "The victim had to carry out her activities amid anxiety and fear that violent and bizarre harm might be inflicted upon her by a defendant whose identity is unknown." Although the defendant pleaded for leniency citing personal circumstances such as depression and remorse, the court dismissed the appeal, noting there was no basis for the actions other than seeking netizens' attention and venting personal frustration, and ordered the defendant to be taken into legal custody.
Attorney Kim Ji-ae of Ascendant Yulchon, who handles legal representation for Shin Sae-kyeong, explained, "This ruling is a clear declaration by the judiciary that cyber terror committed for the distorted purpose of drawing attention or relieving personal stress is a serious ground for imprisonment. Acts that hide behind the anonymity of online spaces to infringe upon someone's character and threaten their daily lives can never be justified under any circumstances, and heavy criminal punishment and civil liability will inevitably follow depending on the severity of the actions."
The agency stated, "This ruling is a valuable fruit achieved together with our fans. We deeply thank the fans who have given strength to actor Shin Sae-kyeong by consistently collecting and reporting materials over a long period," adding, "We will continue to respond resolutely to all illegal acts that infringe upon the personality rights of our artists, and we ask for the continued interest and reports of our fans."
(Photo: SBS Entertainment News, reported by Kang Sun-ae)
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