Last year prosecutors in Korea's Gyeonggi Province investigated a prostitution ring that supposedly involved businessmen, politicians and female celebrities. News of the investigation resulted in the online circulation of a list that named 30 actresses as part of that ring.
Except that the list was totally made up. The police publicly stated that the list had no connection with their investigation and the actresses whose names appeared on it were not under investigation. Yet the list continued to circulate, slandering the names of several innocent high profile entertainers. One of the actresses named on the list was Lee Da Hae, who currently stars in the drama "Hotel King."
Many of the actresses on the list publicly stated their innocence and a few decided to take legal action against those spreading the damaging rumors. Lee Da Hae's legal team released a statement in December 2013.
"It has gotten to the point where the rumors cannot be ignored," said her legal representative. "We must consider that there may be similar situations in the future so we will take legal action to make this case into an example."
They also said that the actress had been very tolerant of slanderous rumors in the past. "Lee Dae Hae is a celebrity who has been very tolerant about malicious rumors and attacks directed at her. However, this time the situation is completely out of control."
Lee's management agency, FNC Entertainment, filed complaints with the Seoul District Prosecutor's Office against four Internet users. They hoped the complaints would serve as a warning. But netizens continued to spread the false rumor that Lee Da Hae was a prominent figure in the prostitution ring.
According to The Korea Times, the court finally indicted two Internet users in July 2014 for spreading the rumors. Each has to pay a fine of $1,000.
FNC Entertainment released a statement after the verdict was delivered.
"We will continue to take a hard stance against cyber bullies spreading lies on the Internet. We will chase and identify everyone who should be held accountable."
It is permissible to talk about a celebrity online but spreading rumors that could potentially damage their career is considered libel and is punishable.
The investigation into the prostitution ring concluded in June 2014 with a fine being levied against one actress, Sung Hyun Ah. She was charged with having met the same man three times for a total payment of $50,000.
