Question from a reader:
An idol announced their graduation due to health issues, but someone quoted that post and wrote false information saying, “It was revealed that they are in a romantic relationship.” In this case, what kind of charges could that person face if sued?

Idol Graduation and False Rumors: A Legal Perspective

Recently, I heard about an idol who
announced their graduation due to health issues, and false information like “It was revealed that they are in a romantic relationship” circulated on social media. Such situations can have a significant impact, especially on idols and celebrities. So, what kind of legal responsibility could someone spreading false information face in this case? Let’s explore this from a legal standpoint.

False Information and Defamation

First, let’s establish some basic legal knowledge regarding “defamation.” Defamation refers to acts that harm another person’s reputation or evaluation. For example, spreading unfounded rumors or engaging in slander falls under this category. Legally, for defamation to be established, the following elements are necessary: 1. Presentation of facts 2. The content is false 3. It harms the victim’s reputation The information stating “It was revealed that they are in a romantic relationship” in relation to the idol’s graduation announcement due to health issues clearly presents false facts. Therefore, the person who made this post is likely to be liable for defamation.

Which Laws Apply?

In relation to defamation, a claim for damages based on Article 709 of the Civil Code can be considered. Specifically, one can seek compensation for damages caused by defamation. In this case, the idol who suffered damage must prove that their reputation was harmed. While proving this can be challenging, it is possible to demonstrate the impact based on reactions from social media, media coverage, and fan responses. Furthermore, if defamation occurs publicly, there is a possibility of criminal liability under Article 230 of the Penal Code. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the defamation, penalties such as imprisonment or fines may be imposed.

Actual Case Study

For example, there was a case in the past where a certain idol announced their graduation, and rumors of “a romantic relationship being revealed” spread among fans, significantly damaging her image. This idol later decided to take legal action and sue for defamation. As a result, the person who spread the rumor was ordered to pay damages. In such cases, idols and their agencies often take a strong stance, asserting that “misleading reports are unacceptable.” The more famous a person is, the greater their social influence, and it is not uncommon for them to resort to legal measures to protect their reputation.

Impact on the Poster and Possibility of Counterarguments

That said, what kind of impact could the poster face if sued for defamation? First, if ordered to pay damages, they would undoubtedly incur a financial burden. Additionally, if criminal liability is pursued, they are likely to lose social credibility. Particularly, statements made on social media can spread instantly, and words that were momentarily shared can later develop into significant issues. Moreover, the poster may attempt to counterargue. For instance, they might claim, “This is just a personal opinion, and I had no intention of spreading false information.” However, in defamation cases, the issue is not the “intent” but the “result,” so merely trying to evade responsibility will not suffice.

Psychological Impact on Idols and Fans

Beyond the legal aspects, it is also essential to consider the psychological perspective. For idols, the circulation of defamation or false information can cause significant mental stress. Especially for young idols, the pressure of not being able to meet fan expectations and the anxiety of having their reputation harmed can severely impact their mental health. On the other hand, fans often have strong emotions regarding their favorite idols being misunderstood. Fans may form their identities around the existence of idols, and attacks on those idols can threaten the fans’ own identities. Therefore, it is expected that backlash from fans and criticism towards the poster may intensify out of a sense of justice.

Conclusion

Through this case of idol graduation, we have considered the legal responsibilities and psychological impacts that false information can bring. It is clear that there is a high possibility of being sued for defamation, the effects on the poster, and the issues that extend to the psychological states of both idols and fans. Personally, I am reminded that in today’s world, where information spreads instantly due to the prevalence of social media, statements come with responsibilities. Idols and celebrities are human too, and it is crucial to protect their reputation. Everyone should be aware of how spreading false rumors can impact many people.