A 35-year-old woman who posted hundreds of threatening and defamatory messages directed at actress Shin Se Kyung, including references to an acid attack, has been sentenced to 8 months in prison, according to reports from Seoul Eastern District Court on July 4.
The court, presided by Judge Lee Ho Dong, found the defendant (who is identified only as Ms. A) guilty of criminal threats and defamation, citing the “significant psychological trauma” inflicted on the actress.
Between June and August 2024, Ms. A repeatedly targeted Shin Se Kyung on multiple online communities, posting more than 450 threats and insults. Her posts included graphic threats of an acid attack, along with sexual, physical, and family-related insults. The threats appeared on discussion boards dedicated to Shin Se Kyung and her drama appearances.
The judge acknowledged that while there was no actual intent to carry out the threats, the volume and nature of the messages constituted a serious offense. “Ms. A caused significant psychological suffering to the victim, who is a public figure with no known personal connection to the defendant and has requested strict punishment,” the court stated,
Although the prosecution initially sought a 2-year sentence, the court imposed a lighter penalty, citing the lack of physical follow-through on the threats.
Meanwhile, Shin Se Kyung, a respected actress known for roles in series such as “Run On” and “Arthdal Chronicles”, had remained largely silent during the investigation.
