YouTuber who specializes in exposing Korean stars faces 4 years in prison
According to Korean media, in the latest trial, the prosecutor requested a 4-year prison sentence and 200 million won in compensation for Taldeok Camp (also known as Sojang).
Spotvnews reported on October 23 that at the Seoul District Court trial, the prosecutor requested a four-year prison sentence and approximately 200 million won in compensation for YouTuber Taldeok Camp, also known as Sojang (surnamed Park).
“The defendant repeatedly insulted the victims by posting videos that were false and defamed them. The defendant created videos containing false information and earned 2 billion won in profits based on paid membership. The videos contained content related to the victims’ appearance, personality, and relationships with the opposite sex,” the prosecution said in court.
Meanwhile, Sojang’s lawyer asked for a lighter sentence and explained that Park was trying to reach a settlement with the victim. The videos were careless and not intended to defame the star.
Park covered his face as he arrived at a previous court hearing. Photo: Dispatch. |
“We admit everything in the indictment, but it was not an act solely for profit. The defendant is doing volunteer work and receiving psychiatric treatment,” the lawyer said.
Previously, Park was fined 10 million won in the first trial for defaming singer Kang Daniel by spreading false information and malicious rumors. However, Park was also sued by Jang Won Young and his management company Starship Entertainment. In this case, the court ordered Park to pay 100 million won to Jang Won Young. However, Park appealed. In addition, BTS’s V and Jungkook also filed a lawsuit demanding Park pay 90 million won in compensation.
Park was accused of defaming seven celebrities by uploading 23 “exposure” videos through Taldeok Camp from October 2021 to June 2023. He was also accused of uploading videos disparaging the appearance of five people 19 times. Park created and distributed videos with the content: “Many celebrities are prostitutes or have plastic surgery”, “BTS RM is married”, “Nam Joo Hyuk is rude” or “Ive’s Jang Won Young is dating an older artist, even getting pregnant at the age of 19”.
Through an analysis of Taldeok Camp’s account, prosecutors determined that 250 million won (about $181,000 ) in profits were generated over about two years from June 2021, Star News Korea reported. Sojang’s YouTube channel has about 60,000 subscribers and earns about 10 million won (over $7,000 ) in monthly profits from advertising revenue in its videos.
Park purchased real estate with some of the proceeds. The prosecution accepted complaints from three victims, including Jang Won Young, in December 2023 and launched an investigation. In May, the prosecution received additional complaints from five other victims and requested an arrest warrant for Mr. Park twice in February and April, but the court rejected the request on the grounds that “A did not pose a flight risk.”