During the trial, Park admitted to all charges and submitted a handwritten letter of apology, stating: “I am deeply sorry.”
On October 23, the 11th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (presided over by Judge Kim Saet-byeol) held the final hearing for Park, the operator of the “Team Camping” YouTube channel. Park was indicted on charges of defamation and insult under the Law on Promotion of the Use of Information and Communication Network and Protection of Information.
Park appeared in court wearing black clothing and black glasses. When the judge asked him if there had been any changes to his name or address, he quickly stood up and replied: “Nothing has changed.”
During the hearing, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Park to four years in prison and impose a forfeiture of 211,421,152 won (about $153,000). They underlined it “The defendant insulted the victims five times and actively posted fake videos that damaged their reputations.”
They further emphasized, “The defendant interfered with the management activities of the victims’ agency,” and asked the court to do so “consider that he operated a paid subscription system and continually committed crimes by creating content about the appearance, personality and relationships of the victims.”
Previously, “Team Camping” had created and distributed fake content about EXO’s Suho, aespa’s Karina, and others, profiting from these activities. SM Entertainment raised issues with these actions.
Park’s defense attorney stated: “We acknowledge all allegations. These were acts with conditional intent, not exclusively for the purpose of profit.” and added, “The defendant is currently doing volunteer work and receiving mental health treatment.”
The lawyer continued, “We are trying to reach an agreement with the victims. Although we attempted mediation in civil court, reaching an agreement was difficult.” expressing their continued intention to pursue a solution.
The defendant asked, “Please give us some time before sentencing. I have surgery scheduled for mid-November. When the judge asked if this would affect his attendance in court, Park responded in the affirmative.
The lawyer pointed out “Since this incident, the defendant has sought to have a positive impact on society through volunteer work,” and begged, “We will continue to work towards the recovery of the victims. Please show maximum leniency.”
Park read his letter of apology, stating: “I am deeply sorry for causing great pain to the victims and am deeply reflecting,” and bowed his head, adding: “I looked at myself objectively and regretted having caused such deep wounds.”
He continued, “I had constant negative thoughts due to guilt. Even someone like me wanted to contribute positively to society and become a necessary person,” adding, “Through volunteer work, I gained positive energy from interacting with people in person rather than online.”
Finally he appealed “Being trapped in my online world seems to have impaired my judgment,” and promised, “I will live responsibly from now on. I really regret this incident.”
After the trial, when reporters asked Park what he thought of the prosecution’s request for a four-year sentence, he avoided answering. His lawyer also stated: “Everything was said in court.”
Park is also facing a civil suit 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 (about $7,200) in the first trial last month.
The sentencing date is currently set for December 18.
Source: Daum
