BTS’s V & Jungkook Wins Lawsuit Against Malicious YouTuber, 76 Million Won Compensation
On February 14th, the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Gwan-hyung) held a sentencing date for the damages lawsuit filed by BTS’s agency Big Hit Music, V, and Jungkook against Mr. A, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘Sojang’.
On this day, the court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff. Accordingly, Mr. A must pay 10 million won to V (approx 7,000 USD), 15 million won to Jungkook (approx 10,400 USD), and 51 million won (35,400 USD) to Big Hit Music.
Previously, media outlet Star News reported that Big Hit Music and BTS’s V & Jungkook filed a lawsuit against A, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘Sojang’, in March to claim damage of about 90 million won. The Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Division 12 will hold the first trial on August 23rd, five months after the BTS members filed the lawsuit.
Earlier, Big Hit Music has continuously sued those who violated the artists’ rights on charges of defamation and insults. In particular, they directly mentioned ‘Sojang’ in June, saying “In 2022, we filed a complaint against ‘Sojang’ for defamation and obstruction of business. Although the investigation was suspended, we actively requested the resumption of the investigation by providing the authorities with the necessary information so the case was reopened. In addition, we filed a civil lawsuit earlier this year to claim damage by Sojang’s defamation and illegal acts. The civil trial will take place soon”.
Big Hit Music emphasized, “Several suspects have been sent to prosecution, and we are waiting for the result of the criminal proceedings against them. Even if it takes some time, we will continue to take strong legal action until the end.”
V once mentioned the issue on the fan community Weverse. After watching videos of the mentioned YouTuber and screenshots from the videos, he responded, “Oh? I’ll take legal action. I’m getting some money for snacks. You even messed with my family and friends. Goodbye”.
V continued, “Taking a look, I realized that other artists also don’t like this person, not only us. Whether fans and ARMYs have been monitoring this or not, I’ll take action for those who have been hurt but couldn’t speak up. I’ll file a lawsuit”. In response to a fan’s comment telling him to not be concerned by such malicious posts, V said, “Of course, my mental strength is very strong, like Suga”.
