IU’s anti-fan commenter claimed a mental health condition, but… ultimately received a suspended sentence at the second trial: “No repentance”

[OSEN=Kang Seo-jeong reporter] A netizen indicted for posting malicious comments about singer IU has been sentenced to a suspended prison term on appeal.

According to the legal community on the 31st, Criminal Appeals Division 9-2 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Hwang Bo-seung-hyeok, Jeong Hye-won, and Choi Bo-won) sentenced A, who was charged with insult, to four months in prison suspended for one year. The court also ordered probation and 80 hours of community service. In particular, because A did not appeal further, the ruling was finalized as is.

Previously, A had been sentenced to a fine of 3 million won at the first trial for posting malicious comments. Later, as another case involving similar malicious comment posts was merged during the appeal trial, the sentence was increased, and eventually A was also fined 3 million won in the first trial of that case.

The panel ruled, "The defendant used the expression while referring to the victim, and this constitutes an insult that can lower social reputation," adding, "The intent to insult is also recognized."

It further pointed out, "Even if the victim is a public figure, such expression goes beyond the level generally acceptable by social norms."

The panel also explained that it reflected these points in sentencing, saying, "The defendant has denied the crime and shown no remorse through the appeal trial, has not been forgiven by the victim, and has a history of repeating similar offenses, so the risk of reoffending is also considerable."

However, it was reported that A suffers from intractable epilepsy, making emotional control difficult, and that the comments written were deleted, among other favorable circumstances, were considered mitigating factors.

[Photo] OSEN DB