An operator of the YouTube channel Taldeokso-yeongso, accused of posting false videos about IVE member Jang Won-young, was handed a suspended sentence again on appeal, but did not accept it.

The Incheon District Court’s 1-3 Criminal Division on the 11th upheld the original verdict, which sentenced the defendant to two years in prison with a three-year suspended term, a 210 million won fine, and 120 hours of community service, on charges including defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. The defendant was indicted for posting false videos about seven celebrities, including Won-young, between October 2021 and last June, with 23 uploads; among them, five celebrities were subjected to 19 insulting videos, and the their agencies were allegedly interfered with.

Prosecutors traced the Taldeokso channel’s account and found about 250 million won in earnings over roughly two years, with part of the proceeds used to purchase real estate. During the investigation, the defendant claimed the videos were simply expressions of public interest, while prosecutors said he operated anonymously and attempted to destroy evidence, discovering additional videos on a confiscated laptop.

The appellate panel noted that the first-instance court weighed multiple factors adequately and that the sentence did not appear excessively harsh or lenient, disposing of both sides’ appeals. On the 14th, the defendant submitted a notice of appeal through his legal representative.

Notes:
– The translation preserves names and core facts, but renders “A씨” as “the defendant” for readability and to avoid repeating the placeholder.
– All references to press sources or reporters were omitted as requested.
– The structure follows a typical global entertainment-news style with concise paragraphs and clear person-centered focus.