Park (35), the operator of the YouTube channel “Sojang”, appeared in court on September 2 for her first trial at the Incheon District Court under Judge Kim Saet-byeol. During the trial, Park’s side admitted to creating the videos but denied the other charges in the indictment.
Park’s attorney explained, “There was no intent to defame or obstruct business, and even if it is considered defamation, there was no illegality since she believed the statements to be true.“
When Judge Kim asked if there was no intent to defame, Park’s attorney responded, “It was merely an expression of opinion, so it is difficult to view it as defamation.”
Park appeared in court wearing black clothes, glasses, a mask and carrying an umbrella to conceal her face. When the judge asked if her job was “business“, she confirmed, “Yes.”
Park was indicted without detention in May for allegedly posting 23 false videos from October 2021 to June last year, defaming seven celebrities, including Jang Wonyoung. The videos falsely claimed that “Jang Wonyoung was jealous and sabotaged a fellow trainee’s debut” and that other celebrities were involved in prostitution or had undergone plastic surgery.
According to the prosecution, Park earned about 250 million won over the past two years from these activities.
Previously, Jang Wonyoung filed a lawsuit against Park for spreading false information and defamation, and in January, the court ruled in Jang Wonyoung’s favor, ordering Park to pay 100 million won in damages.
Additionally, BTS members V and Jungkook filed a 90 million won defamation lawsuit against Park in March. Park is also facing criminal charges for defaming singer Kang Daniel.
Park’s next trial is scheduled for October 2.
Source: Daum
