It seems like the gates of hell have opened for YouTuber “Sojang” ever since IVE’s Wonyoung filed a lawsuit against her. According to Korean media outlet, BIGHIT MUSIC, along with BTS’ V and Jungkook, filed a lawsuit in March against A, the operator of the YouTube channel Sojang, seeking around 90 million won in damages.
Since November 2022, Wonyoung’s agency, Starship Entertainment, has pursued criminal and civil suits, including an overseas lawsuit, against Sojang, a YouTuber who had been continuously harassing multiple artists in the industry. In 2024, Wonyoung won the lawsuit, and Sojang was ordered to pay 100 million KRW (approximately 75,000 USD) in damages for spreading misinformation and insults.
The civil trial is expected to take place soon. Now StarNews has reported for the first trial to take place on August 23rd.
[공지] 아티스트 권익 침해 관련 법적 대응 상황 안내 (6.28) (+ENG)https://t.co/CCGb10Op2E
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 28, 2024
Jungkook and V are filing a lawsuit against that crazy biatch sojang, oh clock her for me. pic.twitter.com/fhO8LGzCxr
— eren. (@jaegersts) August 16, 2024
Following this, several other K-pop stars, including BTS’ V and Jungkook, have also filed lawsuits against the defamatory YouTuber.
According to StarNews reporter Sang Geun Yoon, BigHit Entertainment filed a 90 million KRW (approximately 66,000 USD) lawsuit against Sojang in March of this year. The case was received by the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court, with the first hearing scheduled for August 23, 2024, nearly five months after the case was filed.
BIGHIT MUSIC in their then statement further emphasized that several suspects have been referred to prosecution, and they are currently awaiting the outcome of the criminal proceedings. The agency assured that, even if it takes time, they are committed to pursuing strong legal action until the matter is fully resolved.
jungkook and taehyung filing their own lawsuit against sojang, the operator of a youtube channel that spreads malicious rumors and content about idols, is actually SO HOT of them 🔥 GET THEM FOR ME KINGS pic.twitter.com/DbSGxFNKGa
— Megan G⁷ (@_derpbts_) August 16, 2024
V previously addressed the issue on the fan community Weverse. After viewing videos and screenshots related to the YouTuber in question, he responded, “Oh? I’ll take legal action. I’m getting some money for snacks. You even messed with my family and friends. Goodbye.
Kim Taehyung sueing someone and comforting at the same time on Weverse him posting "Bangtan and ARMYs walking a pretty flower path" and reassuring us that he has strong mentality like his Suga Hyung to keep the positive environment. I love taetae sm. 💜
WE LOVE YOU KIM TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/ZOIVbuULW0
— Brey⁷ || 🇵🇭 🇰🇷 (rest) (@btstaendard) December 19, 2021
"hehehe hey of course, my mental strength is stronger than you’d think, like suga hyung for example." – Kim Taehyung, 211220 pic.twitter.com/iSEtO12EbP
— 🍓🐯🧸 j⁷ 🐱🍊| 보라해 💜 아포방포 | taegi's wife busy (@taegi_queen) August 14, 2024
V continued by noting that, upon reviewing the content, he realized that other artists also have issues with this person, not just them (referring to Sojang). He mentioned that, regardless of whether fans and ARMYs have been keeping an eye on this, he will take action on behalf of those who have been hurt but couldn’t speak up. He affirmed his intention to file a lawsuit. In response to a fan’s comment advising him not to be bothered by such malicious posts, V remarked, “Of course, my mental strength is very strong, like SUGA.”
It should be noted that the YouTuber Sojang (Park) has also been accused of defaming Kang Daniel by posting a malicious video titled “Promiscuous Private Life of Nation’s Boyfriend-Actor-Idol” in 2022, which contained false information. Park is additionally accused of posting defamatory content about IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and aespa. After a court trial, Sojang was reportedly seen fleeing in disguise with a wig in recent events.
Hopefully, more K-pop labels will notice this trend and take legal steps to protect their artists from YouTubers and netizens like Sojang.
