Prison Sentences Given to Netizens Who Posted Photoshopped Pictures of Davichi's Kang Min Kyung

The netizens who posted a photoshopped picture of Davichi’s Kang Min Kyung called “Kang Min Kyung’s Sponsor Photo” in March were given a prison sentence. Read more about what happened here.

 The two netizens were charged with defamation and sentenced to six months in prison with a two year probation, as well as 80 hours of community service.

The judge panel made this ruling despite the defendants claiming that “You can’t tell it’s Miss Kang, but their profile is similar” and “Their faces are similar, but it could be someone else, so don’t believe it,” among other claims. 

While the defendants never said that the person in the photo was Kang Min Kyung, it was highly suggested to netizens. The judge panel said, “It is a significant crime that had a possibility to negatively affect Miss Kang’s image in the middle of her broadcast activities..”

They continued, “Celebrities put in constant effort to maintain their image, and when others damage that image through illegal activities, it could potentially have a huge effect, psychologically as well.”

What do you think of this sentence, Soompiers? Is it too harsh or was it justice served? 

[Edit] Updated for accuracy.