Prosecutors Seek One-Year Prison Sentence for YouTuber Over 'Chey Tae-won False Information' Case

[Financial News] A YouTuber indicted for spreading rumors about Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, and Kim Hee-young, Director of T&C Foundation, has been sought a prison sentence.
According to the legal community on the 17th, at the first trial held at the Seoul Northern District Court (presided over by Chief Judge Seo Young-hyo), prosecutors requested a one-year prison sentence for Mr. Park (70), a YouTuber charged with defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
Prosecutors stated, "There is a high possibility that the public could mistake this as fake news on a highly influential matter, and the victims are demanding strong punishment." They added, "However, we considered that the defendant deleted the posts and has continuously attempted to apologize."
Mr. Park's attorney argued, "The broadcast was not mainly about this topic; the comments were made during a conversational format, and it appears the intention was to mention what the victims themselves have claimed." The attorney continued, "Mr. Park deeply regrets making remarks that could have hurt the victims in response to repeated questions."
The attorney further requested, "Please consider that all articles and videos related to the victims have been removed, that there was no economic gain or malicious intent, and that Mr. Park is deeply reflecting on his careless actions and pledges to be more cautious in future broadcasts or articles, and hand down the most lenient sentence possible."
In his final statement, Mr. Park said, "I have always valued the importance of family, and I felt great sympathy for Roh Soh-yeong's efforts to protect her family." He added, "I became emotional while answering the anchor's question, which may have led to exaggerated expressions. I deeply regret my actions."
Mr. Park was brought to trial on charges of posting false information about Chairman Chey and Director Kim on his YouTube channel and blog more than ten times between June and October last year. He reportedly posted false claims, including the so-called '10 billion won donation rumor,' alleging that Chey spent over 100 billion won on his companion, as well as other falsehoods about the family.
Mr. Park is known to be a longtime acquaintance and close associate of Roh Soh-yeong, Director of Art Center Nabi, whose divorce from Chairman Chey was recently finalized. He has described himself as a 'fan club president' and has been active in broadcasting, as well as participating in future-related academic societies with Director Roh.
Previously, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office indicted Mr. Park without detention last July. The verdict for Mr. Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. on the 18th of next month.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter