장원영, 아이유는 ‘디스커버리’ 신청했지만…“악플러 잡을 국제공조 시급”

54-year-old Mr. K in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, has been enduring severe suffering due to false and harassing videos posted on a YouTube channel he operates. Despite filing a complaint, the investigation agency struggled to pinpoint the perpetrator. After the investigation was indefinitely halted, Mr. K decided to explore the U.S. "discovery" system to find the perpetrator.

On September 9, Mr. K sought advice from the Korea Herald regarding his difficulties. The story of famous singers Ayu, Jeon Woo-jin, and SK Group Chairman Kim Hyun-joong's mistress Kim Hae-young using the U.S. discovery system to identify cyberbullies has caught the attention of takers of the "cyber lekkas" (online harassment) phenomenon.

The discovery system is a procedure in U.S. courts that directs opposing parties or third parties to disclose necessary evidence and materials before a trial begins. While it has proven useful for foreign major platform companies in disclosing information about defamation perpetrators, it remains a daunting task for most victims due to high costs and complex procedures.

The U.S. case of "Taeldoksoo," a YouTuber convicted of defamation against "Jangwon-young," became the first verified case of using the discovery system. In light of this case, U.S. legal experts have advised that the discovery system may be a new path forward for victims of online abuse.