Court fines woman for excessive messaging

By Kim Jae-heun

The Supreme Court upheld Monday a ruling by a high court that fined a woman 2 million won ($1,772) for harassing her former elementary school classmate via text messages.

The 32-year-old woman surnamed Lee sent over 200 text messages within a five-day period in August 2017, demanding the victim go on a date with her, threatening to harm his friends if he did not.

“The victim made it clear to the suspect not to contact him and that he had no interest in her. But she repeatedly sent him texts requesting a meeting, which caused anxiety and fear in the victim,” the court said.

The ruling was in favor of the victim even though he blocked the suspect's number and did not read most of the texts.

“Lee claims the victim needs to read the texts for the Information Communications Network Act to apply, but it does not fit the purpose of the law. If the suspect continuously sends messages that create anxiety and fear, they are guilty,” the court ruled.

Lee was found guilty in her trial at a district court, whose ruling was upheld by the high court.