Court Confirms Guilty Verdict Against YouTuber Who Targeted IVE’s Jang Wonyoung

The operator behind the controversial channel “탈덕수용소” faces final conviction over repeated defamation of celebrities.

Supreme Court Finalizes Conviction

South Korea’s Supreme Court has officially upheld the guilty verdict against the operator of the YouTube channel “탈덕수용소”, bringing a long-running legal battle to a close. The channel had gained notoriety for publishing malicious and false videos about public figures, including Jang Wonyoung of IVE.

On January 29, the court confirmed the lower courts’ rulings without further hearings, finalizing the conviction for defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act.

Prison Sentence With Probation and Financial Penalties

The original trial court sentenced the defendant to two years in prison, suspended for three years, along with 120 hours of community service. In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of approximately ₩210 million (around $160,000 USD) in illegal profits.

The defendant appealed the ruling, but the second court rejected the appeal in November last year. With no further legal challenge accepted, the sentence is now legally binding.

23 Defamatory Videos Targeting Celebrities

Investigators found that between October 2021 and June 2023, the YouTuber uploaded 23 videos containing defamatory content aimed at seven celebrities and influencers. Among the claims were false allegations suggesting that Jang Wonyoung sabotaged another trainee’s debut due to jealousy, as well as baseless accusations involving other public figures.

These videos reportedly generated approximately ₩250 million (about $190,000 USD) in advertising revenue. Authorities later revealed that the earnings were used to purchase real estate, strengthening the case for criminal profit confiscation.

Civil Lawsuits Also End in Defeat

Beyond the criminal case, the channel operator also lost multiple civil lawsuits.

Jang Wonyoung filed a damages lawsuit, and while the initial ruling ordered ₩100 million (about $77,000 USD) in compensation, the appellate court later adjusted the amount to ₩50 million (around $38,000 USD). Neither side appealed further, making the ruling final.

Members of BTS, V, and Jungkook also pursued legal action. In February last year, a court ordered the YouTuber to compensate BigHit Music, V, and Jungkook. After appeals from both sides, the appellate court increased the total damages, bringing the final compensation amount to ₩86 million (roughly $66,000 USD).

A Landmark Case Against “Cyber Wrecker” Culture

The ruling is being widely viewed as a significant moment in South Korea’s ongoing effort to curb so-called “cyber wreckers” — online creators who profit from sensationalism, harassment, and unverified claims.

Legal experts note that the confirmation of both criminal punishment and civil liability sends a strong message that malicious online content targeting celebrities will face serious consequences.

Industry and Public Reaction

Fans and industry insiders have welcomed the decision, seeing it as overdue accountability for online harassment that has caused emotional and reputational harm to artists.

As discussions continue about online responsibility and platform regulation, the case involving Jang Wonyoung and other celebrities is likely to be cited as a turning point in how Korean courts handle digital defamation.