BTS members V and Jungkook have won a partial victory in their legal battle against the YouTuber "Anti-Fandom Shelter" for posting false videos.
On the 14th, the Seoul Western District Court Civil Division 12 (Judge Lee Kwan-hyung) held the first trial of the damages claim lawsuit filed by V and Jungkook's agency, Big Hit Music, against the operator of the YouTube channel "Anti-Fandom Shelter," Mr. Park.
The court recognized the liability of "Anti-Fandom Shelter" for damages, ordering them to pay 51 million won to Big Hit Music, and 10 million won and 15 million won to V and Jungkook, respectively, resulting in a partial victory for the plaintiffs. Mr. Park is also responsible for the costs associated with the civil lawsuit, including delayed interest until the total compensation amounting to 76 million won is fully paid.
Previously, V and Jungkook filed a damages claim lawsuit for around 90 million won in March of last year, arguing that Mr. Park posted false videos that defamed them and interfered with the company's operations. Big Hit Music also claimed that Mr. Park should compensate for the unauthorized use of the agency's copyrighted materials.
Mr. Park has been producing and posting videos on the YouTube channel "Anti-Fandom Shelter" that spread malicious rumors about idols and other celebrities, and he is currently facing civil and criminal trials for disseminating false information and defaming other entertainers, including BTS members. The channel has since been deleted.
Mr. Park was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for three years, in the first trial for defaming seven celebrities, including IVE member Jang Won-young, by posting 23 YouTube videos from October 2021 to June 2023. The prosecution appealed, arguing that the sentence was too lenient.
Additionally, in a damages lawsuit filed by Jang Won-young against Mr. Park, the court ordered him to pay 100 million won to Jang Won-young. However, in the appeal held on the 22nd, the amount was reduced to 50 million won. He was also fined 10 million won in the first trial for posting false videos about singer Kang Daniel (defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act) and was ordered to pay 30 million won in damages to Kang Daniel.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
