A cyberbully who persistently harassed actress Shin Se Kyung for years has been sentenced to eight months in prison without probation.
On July 4, Shin’s agency, The Present Company, announced that the offender—whose name has not been publicly released—had used multiple anonymous accounts over several years to launch a campaign of harassment. The individual repeatedly posted defamatory and threatening messages, not only targeting Shin herself but also extending the abuse to her family, friends, and even fans.
The court cited the premeditated and repetitive nature of the attacks in its decision, deeming the threats severe enough to pose a danger to public safety. It ultimately concluded that incarceration was justified.
The ruling is being viewed as a watershed moment in South Korea’s legal approach to cyberbullying, particularly in cases involving public figures. While online harassment against celebrities is not uncommon, prison sentences remain exceedingly rare, making this decision a potential turning point in how such crimes are prosecuted.
In its official statement, The Present Company explained that it had issued several warnings and pursued legal recourse over the years in response to the relentless harassment. Despite those efforts, the abuse escalated, prompting the agency to file a criminal complaint. The company emphasized that this case isn’t just about protecting one actress—it sets a broader legal precedent about accountability in the digital age.
“The severity of a crime isn’t determined by its physicality,” the agency stated. “The moment someone intentionally causes emotional distress, they are no longer just a critic—they become a perpetrator. Hiding behind anonymity to threaten lives or destroy reputations is a criminal act, not free speech.”
The agency also praised the court’s ruling for clearly drawing the line between freedom of expression and criminal behavior online, adding that it hopes the case shifts public perception about the real-world consequences of digital hate.
In the future, the agency vowed to take swift and firm legal action against any similar behavior, emphasizing that there would be zero tolerance for threats or harassment, regardless of the time it takes to achieve justice.
Kim Ji Ae, legal counsel from the law firm Ascendant Yoolbon LLP and the attorney representing Shin since the start of the case, echoed that sentiment. “Even online, the law protects individual dignity,” she said. “This ruling sends a clear message: malicious behavior in cyberspace will no longer go unchecked. There will be consequences.”
