"Why Are You Copying My Life?" Clothing Company CEO Fined for Defamation After Leaving SNS Comment

"Stop Imitating Me, Live Your Own Life"
Claims of Design Copying and Rumor Spreading
1st Trial "No Evidence Presented..." Fined 3 Million Won

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The CEO of a certain clothing brand was fined after being indicted on charges of 'defamation' for leaving a comment on the social media account of a representative from the same industry, saying, "Why are you copying me and causing my bankruptcy?"

According to the court on the 26th, Judge Shin Se-a of the Criminal Division 27 at the Seoul Central District Court recently sentenced A (33, female), the CEO of the clothing brand 'P', to a fine of 3 million KRW on charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.

Earlier, A was prosecuted for posting a comment on the SNS account of B, who operates the clothing brand 'N', on October 22, 2020, alleging that B copied her clothing designs or spread rumors and slanders that prevented her from participating in a clothing-related exhibition, thereby stating false facts.

At the time, A left comments such as, "You trampled on someone else's life and still live by imitating me," "You spread rumors and live bankrupt without being able to attend exhibitions," and "I reported to the prosecution that you spread rumors, slandered, and abetted fraud, so stop imitating me and live your own life." The two first met in 2017 during a startup support education program hosted by a local government.

In court, A claimed, "B copied and plagiarized my clothing designs, provided false information related to the fashion exhibition we both participated in, spread rumors in the industry, and refused to contact me." She also argued, "The content I wrote is not false and was posted for the public interest."

However, Judge Shin did not accept these claims. The judge pointed out, "The defendant claims her design was plagiarized and that the brand's lookbook is similar, but she took no action regarding design rights infringement," and "She failed to provide convincing evidence regarding the similarities."

Judge Shin further stated, "Although the victim was reported multiple times regarding the exhibition, it appears that the cases were closed without criminal charges," and added, "Considering that the comments only reflected the defendant's claims, it constitutes defamation by publicly revealing false facts through the information network with the intent to disparage the victim."

A appealed against this ruling.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.