Shin Se-kyung's Online Abuser Gets Eight-Month Prison Term on Appeal

An online commenter who threatened and sexually harassed actress Shin Se-kyung has received another prison sentence, this time on appeal. The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the defendant to eight months in prison on Oct. 22. The defendant was taken into custody in court.

Shin's agency, The Present Company, shared the news in a statement. The agency said the person had repeatedly threatened the actress and posting malicious, false attacks about her over an extended period.

According to the appeals court ruling, the defendant posted hateful insults and abusive messages about Shin hundreds of times over a period of about two months. All of the posts were anonymous. The court also found that the defendant targeted the actress's family, posting threats that suggested the possibility of physical harm.

The court emphasized the severity of the abuse. "The victim had to keep working while living with anxiety and fear that violent and bizarre harm could be done to her by a defendant she could not even identify," the court said.

The defendant asked for leniency, citing depression and other personal circumstances, and said they regretted their actions. The court rejected that request. It said the crimes had no basis or valid reason beyond seeking attention from other internet users and venting the defendant's own anger.

"The defendant has not made amends for the mental shock and pain the victim suffered because of these crimes," the court said.

The Present Company said it will maintain a hard stand. "We will respond firmly, under a zero-tolerance policy, to any illegal acts that violate our artists' rights, including threats, malicious slander, defamation, and insults," the agency said. "No matter how long it takes, we will track down those responsible and make sure they face the legal consequences."

The agency also thanked fans for their part in the case. "This ruling is a meaningful result that we achieved together with fans," it said. "We are deeply grateful to the fans who supported Shin Se-kyung by steadily collecting and reporting evidence over a long period of time."

It asked fans to keep sending in reports. The company said it will continue to respond firmly to all illegal acts that violate its artists' personal rights.

For Korean entertainment companies, cases like this one have become a regular part of protecting their talents. The ruling underscores the serious legal consequences that can follow anonymous online abuse, especially when threats extend to an artist's family.