Leaked katalks: "Celebrity A is getting divorced because of OO" spark debate

Article: Leaked katalks "Celebrity A is getting divorced because of OO" spark debate about illegalities of sharing unfounded rumors publicly

Source: KBS

Leaked katalks about a celebrity divorce are sparking debate about sharing of unfounded rumors online.

Due to the breakup news of a Hallyu star couple, the names of the two celebrities are trending at the top of the real-time search rankings drawing keen attention. Unconfirmed and unusual speculations are rampant especially regarding the couple's reason for divorce. Although the parties asked for restraint on provocative and speculative comments, there are various anonymous Katalk chat rooms circulating online asking for salacious information about the couple. As a result, this has sparked debate online about the legalities of sharing unfounded rumors online and the extent of punishment, if any, for requesting such information publicly.

An official from the Korea Communications Commission explained that "under the law, the statute doesn't differentiate between first-time (novice) writers and middle-man distributors but if proven true, those spreading such false information are subject to punishment. If rumors are proven false, the level of punishment also increases and such defaming acts can result in 7-10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 50 million won."

Meanwhile, Song Joong-ki's label Blossom Entertainment and Song Hye-Kyo's UAA released official statements on the 26th threatening strong legal action for unfounded rumors and speculations about the couple's divorce online.

1. [+1,685, -19] So are the OP's in jail too?? Why are you writing an article we can't even talk about ㅋㅋ
2. [+1,206, -16] 7 years in prison?? ㅋㅋㅋIn the time spent giving these statements you could've dug out all the YG druggies~~
3. [+980, -26] Korea is a place where even your family members and friends talk behind your back and call you names. Yet we can't post this publicly?? This is like punishing Kim Jong un for talking to himself ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 
4. [+740, -17] But isn't the secret to staying a celebrity the popularity itself...this is just people speculating among each other. The only disadvantage is legal action. It's really strange...If you're celebrity isn't this something you have to learn to live with? They're guaranteed fame and fortune by the public so why are they asking us to keep quiet now...am I wrong?
5. [+92, -0] We really need to fix Korean laws...does it make sense to only get 5 years for sexual assault but if you spread unfounded rumors you get 7?
6. [+87, -2] Stop playing with the kids and getting them all nervous. Isn't it that you have to be able to prove it? and 2 or 3 people must report it too. It's basically you spend time at the station wasting paper or at the worst you get fined. More than a million of us have studied the law you know...
7. [+51, -1] Did Song Hye Kyo and Joong-ki ask you to write this article?? If you're a public figure you need to be prepared for the rumors and speculations..