Post by : Meena
Hassan
A woman in her 30s has been formally indicted for repeatedly posting malicious and threatening messages aimed at South Korean actress Han Ji Min.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, Criminal Division 5, under prosecutor Kim Ji Young, charged the suspect—identified by the surname Lee—without detention on October 20. She faces counts of intimidation and defamation related to her online conduct.
Investigators determined that between September and October last year Lee published 19 abusive posts across her social media accounts. Several entries contained explicit threats, including statements such as “I will sabotage Han Ji Min’s movie” and “Shut your mouth.”
Some posts directly tagged Han Ji Min and a number of the actress’s acquaintances, escalating the harassment.
The campaign of abuse is said to have started after reports emerged in August last year about Han Ji Min’s relationship with Cho Jung Hoon, the lead vocalist of indie band Jannabi.
BH Entertainment, Han Ji Min’s agency, lodged a police complaint in November; the actress herself participated as a complainant. The Gangnam Police Station conducted the initial inquiry.
Following the probe, police recommended indictment and forwarded the case to prosecutors in March.
After a seven-month review by the prosecution, Lee has now been sent to trial.
No date has been set yet for the initial court hearing.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about cyber harassment and online defamation directed at public figures in South Korea.
Observers say social media can accelerate hateful campaigns and threats, prompting entertainment agencies to pursue stronger legal remedies to protect their clients.
Han Ji Min, known for her roles in "Miss Baek" and "Our Blues," has not released a public comment about the indictment.
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