IVE's Wonyoung Wins Lawsuit Against YouTuber for Defamation, Compensation Reduced in Appeal

IVE's Wonyoung has emerged victorious in her legal battle against a YouTuber known as 'Ttalgdeok Sooyongso' for spreading false information about her, though the compensation amount was reduced in the appeal. The Seoul Central District Court ordered the YouTuber to pay Wonyoung 50 million won, down from the initial 100 million won awarded in the first trial.

The case began in 2023 when Wonyoung sued the YouTuber for defamation, alleging that false claims had damaged her reputation. The YouTuber, who had not appointed a lawyer for the first trial, later appealed with legal representation. Despite attempts at mediation in March of the previous year, the parties could not reconcile their differences.

The YouTuber's channel, which focused on spreading malicious rumors about idols, has since been deleted. Over a period from October 2021 to June 2023, the YouTuber posted 23 false videos targeting Wonyoung and other celebrities, including singer Danielle.

In addition to the civil lawsuit, a criminal trial is also underway. The YouTuber was recently sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for three years, on charges of defamation and insult under the Information and Communication Network Act. Prosecutors have appealed the sentence, seeking a harsher penalty.