An infamous YouTuber identified only by her surname, Park, is on the receiving end of multiple high-profile lawsuits. Park, who operates the YouTube celebrity gossip channel Sojang, has been accused of defamation. In May, she was criminally indicted for defaming seven Korean public figures between 2022 and 2024 and earning nearly ₩250 million KRW (about $183,000 USD) from these videos. Some of the public figures Park targeted are now fighting back.
1. BTS’s V and Jungkook
On August 16, Star News reported that BTS’s two youngest members had sued Park, reportedly claiming damage of about ₩90.0 million KRW (about $66,100 USD).
On August 23, the Civil Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court held the first trial, five months after the lawsuit’s filing.
Sojang spread and reproduced false facts and hot issues and has made a profit. As seen in the video, we are filing a lawsuit for damages for false information and infringement of personal rights.
— BIGHIT MUSIC
At the first hearing, Sojang denied the claims and stated that the videos she produced were just personal opinions, not defamation.
While we acknowledge the video production itself, considering the method and content, it is only just opinion and is not defamation by revealing false information. Sojang claims that the content is not false; and even if it does come out false, they do not see it as a crime as it was created for the public interest. They also argue that it does not reach the level of infringement on personal rights.
— Sojang
BTS’s label BIGHIT MUSIC previously filed a complaint against the YouTuber for defamation and obstruction of business. V announced his plans to sue Park in a comment he left on the Weverse app.
Oh?!! I will proceed with a lawsuit. I guess I can earn some snack money with this. Even mentioning my family and friends~ See ya!
— BTS’s V
2. IVE’s Jang Wonyoung
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and her agency Starship Entertainment launched and won a lawsuit against Park by using a legal loophole. The 210th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Park Jiwon) ordered Park to pay 100,000,000 KRW ($~74,532.87 USD) in damages, as well as interest (calculated at an annual rate of 12%) and court costs incurred during the lawsuit.
The artist and the agency feel unbearable anger at the fact that they even claimed that the video was illegal because it was uploaded for public purposes.
— Jang Wonyoung’s lawyer
Jang Wonyoung’s lawsuit claimed that Sojang consistently made up “facts” and launched personal attacks. Her lawyer stated, “This is a clear illegal act civilly, and it also amounts to defamation and insult criminally.”
An additional, separate lawsuit was filed by Starship Entertainment to hold Sojang accountable for interference with Starship Entertainment’s business.
3. ATEEZ’s agency, KQ Entertainment
In an official statement released on August 17, 2022, ATEEZ’s label KQ Entertainment announced their plans to sue a malicious YouTuber. According to news reports, YouTuber in question is none other than Park.
Hello, this is KQ Entertainment.
As of August 16, Our company and our artist ATEEZ have initiated legal proceedings against a YouTuber who recently published a malicious video on their channel on charges of violating the law on promoting the use of information and communication networks, insulting, obstructing business, and breaking copyright laws.
In addition, the YouTuber in question created a video spreading rumors as if they were true and was able to make a profit through it, which we judged to be very malicious. In particular, for deceiving fans supporting ATEEZ, we have decided to take strong legal action.
Hence, we recommend that those who made unfounded claims and malicious posts against our artists delete their posts. There will be no lenience or cooperation as we pursue both civil and criminal liability in these cases in the future. KQ Entertainment will always work to protect our artists’ rights and reputation. Please report any related evidence or documentation to the email address below.
* Email: protectkq@gmail.com
Thank you.
— KQ Entertainment
4. Kang Daniel
On May 27, Park attended a trial in disguise, wearing a wig and glasses, to attend the first trial for defamation against Kang Daniel.
Park’s lawyer confirmed that Park produced and posted Kang Daniel content but she denied that Park intended to slander the star.
Dispatch captured several photos of the infamous YouTuber as she tried to conceal her identity.
The footage of Sojang being chased by Dispatch is going viral across social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok with 341.2K and 547K views, respectively, at the time of writing.
Read more about the trial below.
Controversial YouTuber Sojang Gets Chased Down By Dispatch Amidst Kang Daniel Case Trial
5. Future Lawsuits
Given the success of Jang Wonyoung’s lawsuit and the lawsuits that are currently underway, it is possible that more idols and their agencies might take legal action too. Over the years, Park has published videos about a number of idols including NMIXX‘s Sullyoon, BTS‘s RM, actress Han So Hee, NCT‘s Jisung, Red Velvet, IVE, and aespa.
YouTuber Criticized For Alleging Sullyoon And NCT Jisung Are Dating
