Starship Entertainment, the agency of popular girl group IVE member Jang Won-young, won a ₩50 million (approximately US$38,000) damages award on June 4.
The award was issued against the operator of the YouTube channel “Anti-fan Detention Camp,” known as “A,” who was accused of spreading false rumors. Judge No. 50 of the Seoul Central District Court granted half of the ₩100 million claim. The court also ordered A to pay interest, with each party responsible for their own legal fees. However, on June 18, A filed an appeal, requested a suspension of enforcement, and submitted a ₩100 million bond.
The Seoul Central District Court also held a third hearing on June 19 in Starship’s lawsuit. Both sides were represented through counsel. A’s lawyer commented on the ongoing criminal case, stating, “A was indicted without detention after two denied arrest warrants. It feels like media manipulation, though intentions remain unclear.”
Starship confirmed that prosecution materials can be used as evidence, and the court emphasized that credibility will be the case’s key issue. Meanwhile, the first appellate hearing for Jang Won-young’s separate ₩100 million personal defamation case is scheduled for September 4.
What Led to the Lawsuits
Since November 2022, Starship and Jang Won-young have pursued civil and criminal actions—domestically and internationally—against A, who allegedly posted 23 defamation videos between October 2021 and June 2023 targeting seven celebrities and influencers, including rumors of Jang Won-young sabotaging fellow trainees and false claims of prostitution or plastic surgery.
The Incheon Prosecutor’s Office indicted A under the Information and Communications Network Act for online defamation and insults. Prosecutors uncovered ₩250 million in revenue from A’s channel, reportedly spent on property. Although arrest warrants in February and April were denied, investigators later discovered draft videos targeting additional stars on A’s seized laptop, suggesting attempted evidence destruction—despite A’s claim the content was “public interest opinion.”
Current Status & Next Steps
- Civil Damages: ₩50 million awarded to Starship, partly appealed by A
- Self-Sued by Jang Won-young: Separate ₩100 million defamation claim; appeal hearing set for September 4
- Criminal Case: Indictment issued; trial date pending
Starship Entertainment continues its pursuit, stating, “We are doing our best to hold them accountable for damaging reputations, operations, and causing victims suffering.”
Legal proceedings, public commentary, and reputational battles continue as both civil and criminal cases play out over the coming months.