YouTuber Sentenced to Prison for Spreading False Information about Jeju Air Incident at Muan International Airport
YouTubers who claimed that the Jeju Air passenger plane incident was fabricated and spread false information online have been sentenced to prison by the court.
On the 20th, the Busan District Court's Criminal Division 7, presided over by Chief Judge Shim Hak-sik, sentenced YouTubers A (60) and B (71) to prison terms of 3 years and 1 year, respectively, for violations of the Information and Communication Network Act (defamation).
These YouTubers created content stating that "the accident did not actually occur" and that "the accident video is a manipulated false video using computer graphics (CG)” in relation to the Jeju Air incident that took place at Muan International Airport last December. Additionally, they spread baseless conspiracy theories claiming that "the bereaved families are actors who appeared during the Sewol Ferry and Itaewon incidents."
"The accident did not actually occur"
"The accident video is a manipulated false video using computer graphics (CG)"
A and B are accused of posting these false videos about 100 times from December last year to January this year. Despite their YouTube accounts being closed due to user reports, they continued to spread false information by creating new channels.
A had previously been convicted in 2018 of spreading false information regarding the Sewol Ferry incident, stating it was a "massacre perpetrated by the government and the Coast Guard," and had received a confirmed sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison. Yet, he repeated similar offenses.
Court: "Severe Punishment for Irresponsibly Spreading False Information"
The court pointed out in its ruling, "Given the tragic accident that resulted in significant harm, it is unacceptable to produce false videos filled with all sorts of speculation and conspiracy for their own benefit and post them on channels accessible to the public." Moreover, it noted, "They still claim their conspiracy theories as facts and criticize the investigative agencies and the government, showing no signs of remorse," explaining the reasons for their sentencing.
This ruling can be seen as a case that raises awareness about the seriousness of spreading false information in disaster situations and holds legal accountability for such actions. Particularly, false information concerning social tragedies can cause secondary harm to victims and their families, adding to the severity of the issue.
The court's ruling is expected to enhance awareness of the spread of false information in online spaces.
Image source: Scientific police conducting an on-site investigation at the scene of the Jeju Air passenger plane incident at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do / News1, reference photo for understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank
