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A South Korean court has handed a heavier sentence to an internet user found guilty of posting malicious comments about singer-actress IU.

According to reports, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced the defendant to four months in prison, suspended for one year, and ordered 80 hours of community service after finding them guilty of insult.

The ruling was stricter than an earlier decision that imposed a fine over four online comments made in 2022 targeting IU's remarks, singing ability, and clothing. Additional malicious comments were later included in the case, leading to a tougher sentence on appeal.

The defendant argued that the posts were not intended to insult the actress.

“I had no intention of insulting [the singer] and the comments were not the kind that would undermine her social reputation, and therefore it cannot be a criminal insult,” the defendant said.

The court disagreed, noting that the individual used terms such as “fraud” and “mental illness” when referring to IU.

“These remarks constitute abstract judgments or hateful expressions that could harm the victim's social reputation, and therefore constitute insult,” the court said.

Judges also pointed to the defendant's repeated offenses and refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing.

“The defendant has consistently denied wrongdoing throughout the appeal, shown no remorse and has not been forgiven by the victim,” the court said.

The sentence became final after the defendant chose not to file another appeal.

IU has long maintained a strong stance against malicious online activity. Her agency, E-DAM Entertainment, has repeatedly pursued legal action against individuals accused of posting defamatory, abusive, or false content targeting the singer-actress.

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