- By Srishti Pandey
- Sat, 24 Aug 2024 07:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
BTS V and Jungkook have found themselves at the centre of a heated legal battle, facing off against a well-known YouTuber, Sojang, in a defamation lawsuit. The case, which has garnered significant attention from fans and the media alike, revolves around the allegations that Sojang, whose real name is Park Joo Ah, spread false information about the two Kpop idols through her YouTube channel, Taldeok Camp. The trial, which began on August 23, 2024, at the Seoul Western District Court, has become a focal point in the ongoing conversation about online harassment and the responsibility of content creators.
BTS agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, has taken a firm stand against Sojang, accusing her of producing and spreading malicious content about V and Jungkook. The agency's legal team argued that the videos created by Sojang were not only defamatory but also designed to infringe upon the personal rights of the artists, all while generating substantial profit from the sensationalized content. BIGHIT MUSIC emphasized that the lawsuit seeks reparations for the damages caused by the spread of false information and the resulting obstruction of their business.
[공지] 아티스트 권익 침해 관련 법적 대응 상황 안내 (6.28) (+ENG)https://t.co/CCGb10Op2E
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 28, 2024
Sojang's Defense
Sojang and her legal team have denied all accusations during the first trial on August 23. They acknowledged the production of the videos but asserted that the content was created in the public interest and should be considered as an expression of opinion rather than defamation. Sojang's defence further argued that even if the information presented in the videos was false, it did not constitute a crime, as the intent was not to defame but to engage in a form of public discourse.
Taldeok Camp (Sojang) claims in court that video made about JUNGKOOK and V was not false and didn’t violate personal rights:
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) August 23, 2024
— “We admit that the video itself (was made), but considering the method and content, it is only an opinion piece and not false and defamatory. It also… pic.twitter.com/rzHOfAsbXx
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Sojang is not the first legal action taken by BIGHIT MUSIC. The agency had previously filed a complaint against the YouTuber in 2022, but the investigation was initially suspended. However, with continued persistence from the agency, the case was reopened in 2024, leading to the current trial. In March 2024, V and Jungkook, alongside BIGHIT MUSIC, officially filed the defamation lawsuit, seeking damages amounting to 90 million KRW (approximately USD 66,100).
explaining what this is about:
— prince kim's fan || ʟᴀʏᴏ(ꪜ)ᴇʀ (@WinterTaeta) August 16, 2024
A malicious YouTuber named Sojang has been launching attacks on idols including Taehyung for many years. So recently, Taehyung with Jungkook has decided to sue this YouTuber for defamation.
Initially in 2022, Taehyung wanted to sue but hybe,+ pic.twitter.com/Mc2KWrRWy2
Sojang's Previous Controversies
Sojang is no stranger to controversy, having faced multiple legal challenges for her online activities. She has been accused of spreading false information and rumours about various Kpop idols, including Kang Daniel, IVE's Jang Wonyoung, and the members of aespa. In one notable incident, she posted a video in 2022 titled “Promiscuous Private Life of Nation’s Boyfriend-Actor-Idol,” which defamed Kang Daniel. Despite previous cases being dismissed, BIGHIT MUSIC has continued to pursue legal action against Sojang, reflecting the agency's commitment to protecting its artists from online harassment.
"Infamous YouTuber Sojang (35 years old) was spotted disguising herself with a wig and glasses to attend another trial for defamation against Kang Daniel.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 27, 2024
She previously lost a ₩100 million defamation lawsuit to IVE's Wonyoung. pic.twitter.com/gz2wbTD9aF
IVE's Wonyoung has won her ₩100 million lawsuit against YouTuber Sojang for defamation. pic.twitter.com/vjfmu5Xdib
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 17, 2024
The trial has sparked widespread discussion among fans and the public. Many have criticized Sojang for her actions, urging her to take responsibility for the harm caused by her videos. On online communities, fans have expressed their frustration, condemning her for attempting to shift the blame onto the public. The outcome of this trial could set a significant precedent for how online defamation cases involving public figures are handled in the future.
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