A man in his 20s, who impersonated BTS members Suga and V to extract album and military service information, has been sentenced to one year in prison in the first trial.
The accused, identified as Mr. A (29), faced charges related to violations of laws concerning information and communication networks and information protection. Judge Ham Hyun-ji of the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court delivered the verdict on the 19th.
According to the court, Mr. A pretended to be Suga from BTS and obtained undisclosed guide audio files from a producer named B in August and September of 2022. Later in November of the same year, he impersonated producer B and contacted Suga, gathering information about albums, military service, and enlistment periods.
Additionally, Mr. A impersonated V and obtained more than ten undisclosed guide audio files from another producer. The court emphasized the potential financial and social damage inflicted by Mr. A's actions, as well as the significant mental harm suffered by the victims who disclosed undisclosed information.
Of particular concern to the court was Mr. A's previous conviction for a similar offense and his repetition of the crime during the investigation and trial period. Consequently, the court deemed the nature of the crime unfavorable.
Mr. A, who reportedly participated in the production process of songs for a famous idol group in the past, has lodged an appeal against the first-instance judgment.
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