Netizen gets suspended jail term for insulting singer IU online

A netizen has received a suspended prison sentence in a retrial for repeatedly posting malicious online comments targeting singer IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun. The comments included derogatory terms such as "swindler" and "mentally ill."

The Seoul Central District Court's appellate division ruled that such expressions, even towards a public figure, surpassed the bounds of socially acceptable discourse. The defendant was initially fined 3 million won in the first trial for four instances of posting malicious comments about IU. However, the sentence was increased in the appellate court when other similar cases of malicious comment posting were combined with the original charges.

In its ruling, the court stated, "The defendant used expressions such as 'swindler' and 'mentally ill' while referring to the female victim. This constitutes defamation, and the intent to defame is recognized." The court also noted the defendant's lack of remorse and failure to receive forgiveness from the victim, indicating a significant risk of recidivism. However, the court considered mitigating factors, including the defendant's struggle with a difficult-to-treat epilepsy that affects emotional regulation and the fact that the comments were deleted.