[Summary] V, Jungkook v.s. Sojang case
π Background & Legal Action
A YouTube channel called Sojang (real name Par Joo-ah) had been spreading harmful rumors, slanders, and negative speculations about numerous K-pop artists—including Kang Daniel, IVE's Jang Wooyoung, and of course, BTS—from at least October 2021 to June 2023.
HYBE (through BigHit Music), along with V and Jungkook, initially filed a report in 2022 on grounds of defamation and business obstruction. Although the investigation was temporarily halted, it resumed in 2023, culminating in a civil lawsuit seeking ₩90 million KRW (~US$66,000) in damages.
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π Sojang's allegations against Jungkook:
1. False Rumours About Romantic Relationships
Sojang spread unverified claims that Jungkook was dating various women, including influencers and other idols.
▪️ Example: Editing or exaggerating supposed "evidence" such as photos or videos to falsely suggest Jungkook was in a relationship.
2. Harrassment of Appearance and Personality
Sojang referred to Jungkook as a "playboy" and made excessively critical and degrading remarks about his lifestyle and physical appearance.
3. Speculation that Jungkook caused scandals among female idols
She linked Jungkook to negative rumours involving certain female idols, despite no evidence of any connection between them.
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π Sojang's allegations against V
1. Spreading false rumors about his private life
This includes unproven claims about dating a chaebol (conglomerate heiress), partying, or engaging in "inappropriate" behaviour away from the public eye.
2. Using edited footage and misleading content to push a manipulative narrative
She presented unrelated videos or events as if they were proof of scandals involving V by editing and twisting the context.
3. Assumptions that V behaved poorly or unprofessionally toward colleagues and staff
Again, these claims were made without evidence—often based solely on selectively edited video clips interpreted in a malicious way.
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π― Sojang's motive: views and monetization
All of this content was created with a sensational tone to attract viewers, stir controverst, and ultimately generate YouTube AdSense revenue, even though the content was filled with speculation and defamation.
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⚖️ HYBE's legal action
HYBE has confirmed that they:
a. Identified Sojang as Park Joo-ah.
b. Filed a criminal complaint or defamation, spreading false information, and violation of IT laws.
c. Ensured that the legal process is ongoing, and they will pursue the maximum penalty permitted by law.
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⚖️ Official statement and legal fillings
1. HYBE's Legal Submissions (May 2024)
In a court filling submitted in the U.S. in late May 2024, HYBE requested that X (formerly known as Twitter) reveal the identity behind an anonymous account accused of defamation. This demonstrates HYBE's broader strategy to legally hold online defamers accountable. They emphasized that these "false" and "defamatory" statements had caused irreparable harm to BTS's business reputation and shareholders value.
2. BigHit Music's June 28, 2024 statements:
BigHit Music issued a press release confirming they were pursuing civil and criminal proceedings against so-called "cyber-wreckers," including the Sojang channel. They stated their intention to take “separate legal action against those who violated the artists’ privacy”
3. Court ruling summary (February 14, 2025)
The Seoul Western District Court ruled in favor of V, Jungkook, and Big Hit Music. They ordered Sojang to pay:
— ₩10 million to V
— ₩15 million to Jungkook
— ₩51 million to Big Hit Music
Plus litigation costs and interest.
4. High court meditation proposal (July 3, 2025)
On July 3, 2025, a High Court decision redirected the case toward court-led mediation, scheduled for July 21, 2025 at 09:40 KST. Under Article 28 of South Korea’s Civil Procedure Act, any agreement reached through mediation will hold the same legal authority as a final court verdict.
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π️ Legal document summary:
Type of document description
1️⃣ Criminal Complaint (2022) Filed by HYBE/Big Hit against Sojang (Park Joo Ah) for defamation, distribution of false information, and IT law violations.
2️⃣ U.S. Court Petition (May 2024) HYBE requested identity disclosure from X for an anonymous defamer.
3️⃣ Civil Lawsuit Brief (Mar 2024) Filed at Seoul Western District Court, seeking ₩90 million KRW in damages.
4️⃣ Court Verdict (Feb 2025) Partial winning judgment awarding ₩76 million KRW plus interest and legal fees.
5️⃣ Mediation Order (July 2025) High Court directs case to mediation, with legal hearing set on July 21, 2025.
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π₯ HYBE's unified legal update
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