MBN Criticizes YouTuber Lee Jin Ho Amid Growing Concerns Over Online Defamation

In a recent broadcast, South Korean news outlet MBN has brought attention to the escalating issue of defamatory content on YouTube, spotlighting the case of YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. The report underscores the challenges victims face in seeking justice and the urgent need for more robust regulatory measures.

Lee Jin Ho, known for his celebrity-focused content, has been at the center of controversy following his videos about the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Despite legal actions taken by Kim Sae Ron’s family, including a defamation lawsuit, Lee Jin Ho continued to publish unverified claims about her personal life. This led to a court ruling that recognized his actions as stalking, resulting in a three-month suspension from discussing Kim Sae Ron or her family on his platform.

MBN’s report highlights the broader issue of anonymous content creators disseminating false information without accountability. Legal experts point out that the anonymity afforded by platforms like YouTube makes it difficult to identify and prosecute offenders. Even when victims pursue legal action, the process is often prolonged and complicated, especially when dealing with international platforms.

Lawyer Jung Kyung Seok said, “Channel operators know that prosecution is unlikely, which makes them bolder and more reckless in uploading mocking and defamatory content.“

One example is the false rumor spread by a YouTuber about singer Jang Won Young. Her case required legal intervention via a U.S. court to obtain the uploader’s information, a process that took over eight months.

Furthermore, the report notes that even when regulatory bodies, such as the Korea Communications Standards Commission, request the removal of harmful content, compliance is not guaranteed. Statistics reveal that only about 40% of such requests result in actual content removal, leaving victims vulnerable to ongoing harm.

Media experts and legal professionals are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and the development of new regulations to hold both content creators and platforms accountable. They emphasize the need for a system that ensures timely and effective responses to defamation cases, protecting individuals from the damaging effects of false online content.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, MBN’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of responsible content creation and the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard individuals’ reputations in the online sphere.