Shin Se-kyung’s agency confirms prison sentence for online troll behind threats, defamation
Shin Se-kyeong’s agency, The Present Company, confirmed on Nov. 2 that an individual facing charges for repeated malicious defamation and threats against the actress has been sentenced to eight months in prison.
The ruling was finalized after the appellate court dismissed the defendant's appeal, upholding the original sentence.
"We have been pursuing legal action against an individual who has repeatedly threatened and maliciously defamed our agency’s artist Shin Sae Kyeong," they wrote.
"In July of last year, the court of first instance sentenced the defendant to eight months in prison. The defendant subsequently appealed the ruling, but on October 22 of this year, the appellate court dismissed the appeal and upheld the original sentence. The defendant was taken into custody immediately following the appellate court’s ruling," they continued.
The agency thanked Shin's fans who have "continuously" provided them with information and supported their efforts.
"Online anonymity does not exempt anyone from legal responsibility for unlawful acts. Depending on their content and the nature of the violation, malicious online posts may result in criminal liability," they warned, adding that they "continue to take firm action against any unlawful acts that infringe upon the rights and interests of our artists, and will pursue legal accountability to the very end."
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Investigations revealed that the defendant, a man in his 30s, authored over 450 posts over two months containing profanity, sexual harassment, and threats targeting both the actress and her family. He was arrested in December 2024.
The court emphasized the gravity of the psychological harm inflicted on the victim, saying, "The victim had to carry out her professional activities under severe anxiety and fear that extreme, bizarre harm might be inflicted by an unidentified individual."
While the defendant requested leniency, citing depression and remorse, the court dismissed the plea.
The judges noted that the crimes lacked legitimate motive beyond attracting online attention and venting personal anger. They further emphasized that he made no attempt to compensate for or remedy the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the actress. "The defendant has not atoned for the victim's mental shock and suffering caused by this crime."
Shin is a South Korean actress who made her break in the sitcom High Kick Through the Roof in 2009. She later starred in films such as Tazza: The Hidden Card and Humint, as well as the television series Deep Rooted Tree, A Girl Who Sees Smells, and Run On.
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