Singer and actress IU’s long-running fight against malicious online comments has taken another legal turn after a South Korean court imposed a suspended prison sentence on an internet user found guilty of repeatedly posting insulting remarks about the star.
According to a report by The Korea JoongAng Daily on May 31, the Seoul Central District Court’s appellate division for criminal trial sentenced the defendant to four months in prison, suspended for one year, on charges of insult. The court also ordered probation and 80 hours of community service.
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The ruling marked a heavier punishment compared to the initial decision, where the defendant was fined 3 million Korean won (around ₱123,117) for four malicious online comments posted in April 2022. Those posts reportedly targeted IU’s remarks, singing ability, and clothing.
The case grew more serious after another matter involving additional malicious comments was added to the proceedings. The appellate court later consolidated the cases and handed down a stricter sentence.
During the appeal, the defendant denied any intent to defame the singer-actress.
“I had no intention of insulting [the singer] and the comments were not the kind that would undermine her social reputation, and therefore it cannot be a criminal insult,” the defendant argued.
The court, however, disagreed.
“The defendant used expressions such as ‘fraud’ and ‘mental illness’ in referring to the female victim,” the court said.
“These remarks constitute abstract judgments or hateful expressions that could harm the victim’s social reputation, and therefore constitute insult,” the court added, noting the defendant had carried an intent for insult.
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Judges also emphasized that the comments crossed the line between personal opinion and harmful expression directed at a public figure, noting that the defendant displayed “no remorse” throughout the proceedings.
“The defendant has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the appeal, shown no remorse and has not been forgiven by the victim,” the court said. “Given that the defendant repeatedly committed the same offense, the risk of reoffending is also considerable.”
Still, the court said it considered several factors before arriving at its decision. Among these were the defendant’s lack of prior criminal history, a medical diagnosis of intractable epilepsy that reportedly affected emotional control, and the fact that the comments had later been deleted.
The sentence became final after the defendant chose not to file another appeal.
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IU has maintained a firm stance against malicious online activity for more than a decade. Since 2013, the singer has consistently pursued legal action against individuals accused of spreading defamatory or abusive content.
Earlier this year, 96 people who allegedly posted harmful content targeting IU, including defamation, insults, false information, malicious slander, and sexual harassment, faced legal judgments.
Her agency, E-DAM Entertainment, previously revealed that one individual had been fined 5 million Korean won (around ₱204,778) for spreading false claims that the singer was a North Korean spy.
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The latest court decision comes as IU continues to draw public attention through Perfect Crown, her drama with actor Byeon Woo-Seok. The series has faced criticism from some viewers over its inaccurate depiction of royal traditions and ceremonial elements.
Amid the backlash, IU, Woo-seok, and the creators of Perfect Crown had already issued an apology regarding the controversy, even as discussions surrounding the series and the actress remain active online.