Court cites extortion conviction in reducing sentence

YouTuber Gujeyeok, whose real name is Lee Jun-hee. [Yonhap]
YouTuber Gujeyeok, whose real name is Lee Jun-hee. [Yonhap]

YouTuber Gujeyeok, whose real name is Lee Jun-hee, had his sentence reduced on appeal in a defamation case involving former Army Captain Lee Geun and several other content creators.

The 7th Criminal Division of Suwon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Lee Mi-ju, sentenced Lee on Thursday to one year in prison and a fine of 10 million won ($6,500) on charges of defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

The trial court had earlier sentenced him to two years in prison and a fine of 15 million won.

"This case is of poor character, as it involved defaming and insulting multiple victims," the court said. "However, we take into account that the defendant acknowledged the charges and that a three-year prison sentence for extortion has been finalized."

Lee faces charges of defamation and insult for spreading false claims — including allegations that a broadcaster identified only as "A" had held drug-fueled orgies — and for targeting multiple online personalities, including former Army Captain Lee Geun, internet broadcast BJs and a YouTuber who is a former lawyer.

He denied the charges at trial, arguing his conduct amounted to entertainment techniques used in YouTube broadcasts, but acknowledged the charges on appeal.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently upheld a three-year prison sentence against Lee on separate extortion charges, after he was found to have threatened and extorted money from YouTuber "Tzuyang."


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