What happened in the case?

The Seoul Western District Court's appellate panel on October 15 rejected the prosecution's appeal and kept in place the not-guilty verdict for a man surnamed Kim. Kim had been charged under the Information and Communications Network Act with defamation, according to Yonhap News.

Who is Jang Woo-hyuk?

Jang Woo-hyuk is a singer and a former member of the boy group H.O.T., one of the most influential acts of the first generation of K-pop. The case centers on claims Kim made about him.

What did Kim claim?

In June 2022, Kim posted in an online community that Jang had verbally and physically abused him in the past. Jang denied the claims as untrue and filed a defamation complaint against Kim.

Why was Kim acquitted?

The first-instance court judged Jang's claims to lack credibility and acquitted Kim. The appellate panel agreed, saying it was not clearly proven that the abuse claims were false. The court also said that given the status and influence of the person involved, there was a clear public-interest element, so the statement was not found to be defamation by true facts either.

For international fans

This is a legal ruling about a dispute between a former agency employee and a public figure, and the court has not ruled on whether the abuse allegations themselves are true. Readers following the case can refer to Yonhap News for further coverage.