The person who insulted IU was sentenced to prison.
AllKpop reported on May 31, 2026 (local time) that the Seoul Central District Court sentenced a woman, identified as A, to four months in prison but suspended the sentence for one year on charges of "insulting another person." In the appeals court, the court also ordered the defendant to serve one year of probation and complete 80 hours of community service.
The appeals court concluded that the defendant's use of phrases such as "fraudster" or "mentally ill person" to describe IU constituted defamation under South Korean criminal law, and that the intent to defame was clearly established.
According to the judge, although IU is a public figure, the comments "exceeded the level of criticism that could be considered socially acceptable."
Previously, in the initial trial, A was only fined 3 million won (US$1,990) for posting four malicious comments online targeting singer IU.
However, during the appeal process, this case was merged with another prosecution involving similar comments posted by the same defendant, resulting in a harsher sentence. In that separate case, A was also fined 3 million won at the initial trial.
The appeals court further stated that the defendant consistently denied the crime throughout the appeal process and showed no remorse. The court also noted that the defendant did not receive forgiveness from the victim and had repeatedly reoffended, indicating a high risk of recidivism.
However, the court also considered several mitigating circumstances, including the fact that the defendant was diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, which can affect their ability to control emotions. Additionally, the offensive comments directed at IU were deleted.
Since the defendant did not appeal further, this verdict has officially taken legal effect.
For many years, IU has been known as one of the most "uncompromising" Korean artists when it comes to anti-fans. According to Chosun , the 9X singer's management company, EDAM Entertainment, has repeatedly filed lawsuits against those who maliciously attack the artist. In 2025 alone, 96 individuals were sued or faced legal action.
Controversial verdict
The court ruling sparked controversy on South Korean social media. Many supported stricter laws against those who habitually cause disturbances or engage in cyberbullying. It was also seen as a wake-up call for other "keyboard warriors."
In addition, a segment of the South Korean audience expressed anger. They believed the sentence was too harsh and suspected that the "nation's little sister" used her celebrity privileges to manipulate things behind the scenes.
On X, a verified account shared an article about IU's lawsuit, along with the critical comment: "Calling IU a 'fraud' and 'mentally ill' and then getting sentenced to prison. That's truly terrifying. What kind of system can silence someone like that? It's outrageous."
The post attracted over 75,900 views, more than 1,000 likes, and dozens of comments. Many agreed with the sentiment: "If everyone who calls someone a scammer went to jail, the prison would be full," "Is it really okay to go to jail just for saying that? How ridiculous," "There must be something fishy going on here," "She has sold her soul to the devil," "Malicious comments that go beyond acceptable limits are completely wrong and must be punished. However, she's known as the 'nation's little sister,' yet she's repeatedly behaved in a way that makes others uncomfortable. Her current actions are nothing short of admitting she's petty..."
Another post also garnered over 16,500 views and hundreds of likes. The content read: "This is truly appalling. A celebrity with 50 billion won (US$33 million) in assets caused a woman in her 30s with epilepsy to receive a prison sentence for just four offensive comments... If this isn't a modern-day class-divided society, then what is?"
Another comment, "Is IU someone nobody is allowed to touch? Just for leaving a malicious comment, she's sentenced to jail? That's truly terrifying," received over 22,800 views and more than 400 likes.
This way of thinking has angered many people. They criticize a segment of internet users for their distorted thinking, who instead of defending the victim, blame them and normalize cyberbullying.
"The court issued a ruling based on the law. Calling a perfectly normal person a 'fraud' or 'mentally ill' is clearly a serious violation of that person's honor. Ask Congress why they made such laws. Live and think with common sense, stop trying to justify or argue stubbornly," one person countered.
"It's not because she's untouchable that she's treated this way, but because she violated the law and is being punished. Stop arguing pointlessly, it's pathetic. Fabricating false information to damage someone's reputation deserves to be sued. If it were me, I would sue too. Wake up," another person commented.
"How many artists have suffered from cyberbullying to the point of depression and suicide, yet these perpetrators still haven't learned their lesson and consider slandering others normal? This is why the online world is becoming increasingly toxic," one comment condemned.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/em-gai-quoc-dan-gay-tranh-cai-post1847893.tpo
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