Former volleyball star Kim Yo-han has officially been cleared of all illegal gambling accusations marking a major victory after over a year of online defamation, threats, and personal suffering.
On June 18, Kim Yo-han’s agency, Janggun Entertainment, released a powerful statement confirming that the man behind the false accusations, Mr. Hong, has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Seoul Central District Court. The court found him guilty of issuing retaliatory threats and spreading false claims that derailed Kim’s broadcasting career.
What Happened?
According to the agency, Mr. Hong began his smear campaign back in June 2023, circulating baseless rumors of illegal sports gambling and personal misconduct. He was indicted and convicted in both June 2023 and January 2024 on multiple charges, including:
- Blackmail
- Intimidation
- Defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act
These malicious actions led to Kim Yo-han being forced to step away from all his roles in broadcasting and sports commentary—causing tremendous damage to both his career and mental health.
Despite the conviction, Mr. Hong continued his vendetta. In June 2024, he launched a new wave of threats, leading to his second indictment—this time for violating the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. On May 30, he was once again sentenced to one year in prison.
Legal Win for Kim Yo-han
In a separate civil case, Kim Yo-han successfully sued Mr. Hong for defamation, officially clearing his name of all wrongdoing. This marks a full legal and public vindication for the former athlete.
Statement from Janggun Entertainment
“It took a long time for the truth to come out, but we deeply thank those who supported Kim Yo-han throughout this incredibly painful journey,” the agency said.
“Moving forward, Janggun Entertainment will provide its full support to ensure Kim Yo-han can resume his career and pursue new opportunities with confidence.”
Why It Matters?
False accusations, especially online, can shatter reputations overnight. Kim Yo-han’s story is a reminder of how dangerous misinformation can be and how justice, though delayed, can still prevail.
If you’ve followed Kim’s journey or have been impacted by false accusations yourself, this case offers hope and a warning about the lasting damage of online defamation.
