What happened?

A Seoul Central District Court sentenced a woman in her 30s, identified only as Lee, to a fine of 6 million won on October 16, 2026, in a first-instance trial. Lee was found guilty of threatening and insulting actress Han Ji-min through repeated malicious posts on her social media account, according to Yonhap News.

What did the posts say?

According to the court, Lee published 19 posts in September and October 2024. Some read "I will interfere with the movies Han Ji-min appears in" and "Shut up." Lee also tagged Han and people close to her in some of the posts.

Why did the court rule this way?

Presiding judge Lee Ye-rim said that anonymity online should not be used as cover for insulting others or spreading malicious rumors, and that such behavior needs to be checked. The court also made clear that spreading false information that damages someone's reputation or image can count as a threat under the law.

Did the court show leniency?

The judge told Lee to reflect on her actions and not repeat them. The ruling took into account Lee's stated remorse, although the victim had asked for a severe punishment because she feared reoffending.

For international fans

Han Ji-min is a well-known South Korean actress whose work has reached audiences across Asia. Cases like this one have drawn attention in South Korea to the harm caused by online harassment of celebrities, and fans abroad are encouraged to report abusive content rather than repost it.