YouTuber Sojang convicted in defamation lawsuit by BTS' V and Jungkook
YouTuber Sojang, also known as Taldeok Camp, has been convicted in a defamation lawsuit filed by BTS members V and Jungkook.
On February 14, the Seoul Western District Court ordered Sojang to pay a total of 76 million KRW (approximately $53,000) for malicious content targeting the two K-pop idols. This ruling follows a series of legal defeats for Sojang, who has faced lawsuits from other artists, including IVE's Jang Wonyoung and soloist Kang Daniel.
Sojang's defamatory videos, which spanned from October 2021 to June 2023, included unverified claims about several South Korean celebrities, with BTS members V and Jungkook being key targets.
The videos spread false information regarding their personal lives, relationships, and appearances. The court's decision on February 14 included a 51 million KRW payment to Big Hit Music, 10 million KRW to V, and 15 million KRW to Jungkook.
This lawsuit is part of a larger movement in South Korea, where there is increasing concern over the impact of malicious online content. The court's ruling highlights efforts to hold individuals accountable for harmful social media behavior, as artists and their agencies continue to take legal action against online defamation.
In previous legal battles, Sojang lost cases involving IVE's Jang Wonyoung and Kang Daniel. While she has appealed both rulings, this latest defeat further reinforces the legal consequences of online defamation in the K-pop industry.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1721739746-0%2FBeFunky-collage-(12)1721739746-0.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Chinese woman tries breaking into BTS Jungkook home after military discharge
A Chinese woman in her 30s was arrested late Wednesday night for allegedly attempting to break into the home of BTS member Jungkook, just hours after his discharge from South Korea's military. According to the Yongsan Police Precinct, the incident occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. at Jungkook's residence in Seoul's Yongsan District. Authorities said the suspect was seen repeatedly entering random passcodes on the front door's keypad in an attempt to gain entry. Police responded to a report and arrested her at the scene. She reportedly told officers that she had traveled to South Korea specifically to see Jungkook after his return to civilian life. The timing of the intrusion coincided with Jungkook's official discharge from military service earlier that day. He had enlisted in December 2023 and completed 18 months of mandatory duty in the South Korean Army. Photos released by News1 captured Jungkook saluting during his discharge ceremony in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. The arrest has raised fresh concerns about the safety and privacy of high-profile K-pop idols. The case remains under police investigation, with authorities looking into further details surrounding the woman's actions and intent. Jungkook is one of four BTS members discharged this week, leading to widespread fan excitement. Hundreds of fans, some dressed in BTS's signature purple, gathered in front of HYBE's Seoul headquarters to celebrate the group's gradual return. Many held banners and photographs in anticipation of a possible reunion. HYBE has hinted that all seven BTS members—set to complete their service by the end of June—may reunite following their hiatus, which began in 2022 at the height of the group's global fame.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
BTS megastars to reunite after military service
Two members of K-pop supergroup BTS were released from South Korea's mandatory military service on Tuesday and announced they wanted to start performing again "as soon as possible", prompting a fan frenzy, as reported by AFP. BTS, South Korea's most lucrative musical act, has been on a hiatus since 2022 while its seven members complete their military service. Hundreds of fans gathered at a site near the two army bases where band leader RM – recently named "Favorite K-pop Artist" at the American Music Awards – and singer V were separately discharged. Cheers broke out as they stepped out of different vehicles and hugged, with RM playing a quick song on the saxophone as V stood next to him smiling, holding bunches of flowers. "What we want most right now is to perform again," RM, still wearing his army uniform, told reporters and fans after his discharge. "We're working hard on the new album so we can return to the stage as soon as possible." RM said there had been "many difficult and painful moments" during his 18 months of military service. "Since returning, I've grown closer with my father and old friends – many of whom had already completed their military service," he added. V said military service was "a time for me to reset and rebuild both my body and mind". "Now that I've done that, I truly want to run straight to ARMY as soon as possible," he said, referring to the band's official fandom name. This week, four BTS members will complete their service. Two were discharged last year, and the final member, SUGA – who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active duty service – will be released later this month. HYBE, the band's agency, had urged fans not to go to the discharge location, citing safety concerns. Flouting the warning, dozens gathered outside V's military base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star. "Honestly, I came here with such high expectations," Yang Ho-hee, 28, told AFP outside the base. Reunion tour? On a football field where the newly released BTS members spoke, hundreds of fans from around the world gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols. RM and V later held a live chat on their superfan platform, Weverse, where fellow member Jin joined. "We have plans. Please wait just a little longer," said RM. "I've had time to recharge, so I'll make something good and show it to you. We'll make sure everyone knows that we're back." All the band members signed new contracts with their agency HYBE in 2023, and once SUGA is released on June 21, analysts expect profit-driving reunion activities. "In the case of HYBE share prices, the current market consensus is seen as not fully reflecting BTS's impact," Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities, told AFP. Despite an ongoing police investigation into the company chairman for suspected insider trading and a recent raid by authorities, analysts say HYBE's shares are up, rising by 10 per cent over the past week through June 9. GDP impact Prior to their mandatory military service, the boy band generated more than 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. That accounts for roughly 0.2 per cent of South Korea's total GDP, according to official data. HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback this year, but has also said the members "need time for reflection and preparation". "Normally, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour," Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, told a shareholder meeting in March. "But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what's next," Lee added. The HYBE headquarters building in Seoul was wrapped with the slogan "WE ARE BACK", the official logo for the upcoming BTS FESTA. HYBE shares opened nearly three per cent higher Tuesday morning, reaching their highest level in two years.
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
SC demands vehicle seizure records
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, comprising Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Shakeel Ahmed, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, has directed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police to submit a complete record of all vehicles held in their warehouses as case property. During the hearing, Justice Musarrat Hilali questioned how police officers were using these case vehicles, remarking, "Why are only low-ranking officers held accountable? Why don't you take action against senior officials? Until high-ranking officers are held responsible, these issues will not be resolved." Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim added, "This situation will not improve until at least one officer is removed from service." Justice Shakeel Ahmed also expressed dismay, saying, "If not for yourselves, then have mercy on this country. How long will such illegal practices continue?" The court instructed the K-P Advocate General to present the full list of vehicles currently stored by the police, including details on which vehicles are linked to which cases, and under what legal provision police officials are authorized to use them. The report is to be submitted by Thursday. These observations were made during the hearing of a petition filed by a local Imran Khan, seeking the return of a vehiclea 2010 Toyota GLibelonging to him. His counsel, Anjum Durrani, informed the court that the vehicle has been in the custody of Chamkani Police since 2020 and is now allegedly being used by a retired police officer.
