“BTS' V and Jungkook videos in the public interest”: YouTuber Sojang denies defamation of K-pop idols in first trial

BIGHIT MUSIC, along with BTS' V and Jungkook, have filed a defamation lawsuit against notorious YouTuber Sojang, whose first trial took place today. According to the latest information, she has denied all allegations and claimed that YouTube videos about the two K-pop artists were made in the public interest.

On August 23, the first hearing of BTS' V and Jungkook's defamation lawsuit against Sojang was held at the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court. At the hearing, BIGHIT MUSIC accused Sojang of producing and spreading false facts online and making huge profits by defaming K-pop idols.

“We are filing a lawsuit for damages for false statements and violation of personal rights,” the BTS agency said.

However, to everyone's shock, Sojang's side denied all allegations. She said: “While we acknowledge the production of the video, given the method and content, it is merely an opinion and not defamation by publishing false information.”

Sojang added that the content was not false and even if it was, her side did not see it as a crime, apart from making videos in the public interest. Her lawyers also argued that her action did not reach the level of a violation of personal rights, as BIGHIT MUSIC claimed.

Her unexpected response to the allegations surprised netizens, as this is not the only trial she is facing for defaming K-pop idols. In an online community, fans heavily criticized her for blaming the public for her actions, with many urging her to stop being so difficult and admit to the allegations.

In March, V and Jungkook, along with BIGHIT MUSIC, filed a defamation lawsuit against Person A, the operator of the YouTube channel Sojang. In their lawsuit, the agency accused her of creating malicious videos and demanded 90 million kRW for the damages and business obstruction.

The agency first filed a complaint against Sojang in 2022. But the investigation was closed at the time. After HYBE's extreme persistence, the case was recently reopened.

In addition, Sojang went to court for allegedly defaming Kang Daniel, Jang Wonyoung of IVE, aespa and other artists.

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