Gong Yoo, the acclaimed South Korean actor best known for his roles in "Squid Game," "Goblin," and "Train to Busan," has been vindicated in a defamation case after a woman falsely accused him of harassment. The Daejeon District Court's Criminal Division 5 sentenced the woman, identified only as "A," to six months in prison, suspended for two years of probation. She was found guilty of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

Between January 2020 and March 2021, the woman posted a staggering 235 defamatory comments and online posts, falsely claiming she was being threatened and harassed by the actor. In one instance, during a live broadcast hosted by Gong Yoo in January 2020, she commented, "I'm being threatened from behind, and there isn't a single day I haven't been threatened". She further added, "He torments me to the point of neurosis". However, authorities confirmed that Gong Yoo had no personal relationship with the woman and that her claims were entirely fabricated.

The court observed that "the claims made by A are completely groundless and, beyond that, she repeatedly spread false information over a long period". The court acknowledged the actor's public status, stating, "Even though the victim is a public figure and naturally subject to public attention, the nature of the crime is very serious". The court also noted that the accused had two prior convictions for similar offenses. However, her acknowledgment of the crime and intention to receive treatment at a hospital were taken into account when determining the sentence.

This case highlights the serious consequences of spreading false information and the potential harm it can inflict on public figures. The ruling emphasizes that while public figures are often subject to public scrutiny and criticism, deliberate misinformation and character attacks fall outside the bounds of acceptable discourse. The case also serves as a reminder of the legal ramifications of online defamation.

Gong Yoo, who is known to be a rather reclusive celebrity, has earned immense respect and a global following for his performances in numerous popular dramas and films. While this case was ongoing, Gong Yoo has been filming a new Netflix project titled "Slowly but Intensely" alongside Song Hye-kyo. Written by Noh Hee-kyung, the series has a budget of 80 billion won and tells the stories of individuals working in the entertainment industry during the tumultuous 1960s to 1980s who, despite lacking resources, strived for success.