During the trial, Park admitted to all charges and submitted a handwritten letter of apology, stating, “I am deeply remorseful.”
On October 23, the Incheon District Court’s Criminal Division 11 (presided over by Judge Kim Saet-byeol) held the final hearing for Park, the operator of the “Taldeok Camp” YouTube channel. Park was indicted on charges including defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.
Park appeared in court wearing all black attire with black glasses. When the judge asked if there had been any changes to his name or address, he quickly stood up and responded, “Nothing has changed.”
During the hearing, the prosecutors requested the court to sentence Park to four years in prison and impose a forfeiture of 211,421,152 won (approximately $153,000 USD). They pointed out that “The defendant insulted victims five times and actively posted false videos that damaged their reputation.”
They further emphasized, “The defendant interfered with the victims’ agency management activities,” and asked the court to “consider that he operated a paid membership system and continuously committed crimes by creating content about victims’ appearances, personalities, and relationships.”
Previously, “Taldeok Camp” had created and distributed false content about EXO’s Suho, aespa’s Karina, and others, while profiting from these activities. SM Entertainment raised issues with these actions.
Park’s defense attorney stated, “We acknowledge all charges. These were acts of conditional intent, not solely for financial gain,” and added, “The defendant is currently doing volunteer work and receiving mental health treatment.”
The attorney continued, “We are trying to reach a settlement with the victims. While we attempted mediation in civil court, reaching an agreement has been difficult,” expressing their continued intention to pursue a settlement.
The defendant requested, “Please give us some time before sentencing. I have a surgery scheduled for mid-November.” When the judge asked if this would affect his court attendance, Park responded affirmatively.
The attorney emphasized, “Since this incident, the defendant has been trying to make a positive impact on society through volunteer work,” and pleaded, “We will continue to make efforts toward victim recovery. Please show maximum leniency.”
Park read his letter of apology, stating, “I am deeply sorry for causing great pain to the victims and am reflecting deeply,” and bowed his head, adding, “I’ve looked at myself objectively and regret causing such deep wounds.”
He continued, “I’ve had constant negative thoughts due to guilt. Even someone like me wanted to contribute positively to society and become a needed person,” adding, “Through volunteer work, I’ve gained positive energy by interacting with people in person rather than online.”
Finally, he appealed, “Being trapped in my own world online seems to have impaired my judgment,” and promised, “I will live responsibly from now on. I truly repent for this incident.”
After the trial, when reporters asked Park about his thoughts on the prosecution’s four-year sentence request, he avoided answering. His attorney also stated, “Everything has been said in court.”
Park is also facing a civil lawsuit for damages from Jang Won-young and Starship Entertainment for defamation. He was previously tried for defaming Kang Daniel and was fined 10 million won (around $7,200 USD) in the first trial last month.
Currently, the sentencing date is set for December 18.
Source: Daum
