The long-running legal battle between BTS V and Jungkook and the YouTuber behind the malicious gossip channel “Sojang” is set to continue this month. According to an exclusive report by Star News on November 1, the appeal trial will begin on November 14, following failed attempts at mediation earlier this year.
Back in March 2024, BIGHIT MUSIC, along with V (Kim Taehyung) and Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook), filed a damages lawsuit against the operator of the YouTube channel “Taldeok Camp.” They sought 90 million won (around $65,000 USD) in compensation.
The label accused the defendant of spreading false information, defaming their artists, and using copyrighted material without permission. BIGHIT emphasized that the channel had deliberately produced harmful videos to earn profit through defamation and manipulation.
In February, the Seoul Western District Court ruled in favor of BTS members and their agency. The court ordered the defendant to pay 51 million won to BIGHIT, 10 million won to V, and 15 million won to Jungkook, along with additional interest and legal costs. However, the YouTuber quickly appealed the ruling and claimed that the damages were excessive and disputing the court’s findings.
The appeal process began in mid-2025. The court initially referred the case to mediation on June 16, and a session was held on July 21. However, both sides failed to reach an agreement, which pushed the case back into the courtroom for a formal appeal trial scheduled this month.
During earlier proceedings, BIGHIT’s legal representatives argued that the YouTuber’s channel functioned as a so-called “cyber wrecker.” It is a term used to describe online accounts that profit by spreading malicious or false content.
They explained that the videos had severely violated the members’ portrait rights, personality rights, and interfered with the label’s overall business. BIGHIT also stated that it had taken proactive steps in the investigation. They obtained the YouTuber’s personal information and are cooperating with authorities.
On the other hand, the YouTuber’s defense team claimed that even if liability were to be recognized, the compensation amount demanded by the BTS members was far too high. They also argued that there was no direct link between the videos posted on “Taldeok Suyongso” and changes in HYBE’s stock price. They dismissed the agency’s claim of financial damage.
The defense insisted that the issue could not be treated as copyright infringement and said that the plaintiffs were exaggerating the impact.
“Taldeok Suyongso” was notorious for spreading malicious rumors about K-pop idols and other celebrities since 2021. It was known for producing defamatory videos based on speculation and unverified claims. The channel has since been deleted after multiple reports and investigations.
This is not the first time the operator of “Sojang” has faced legal trouble. Earlier this year, she was handed a suspended prison sentence, probation, and fines in a separate defamation case involving other public figures.
Meanwhile, BTS’s agency has repeatedly warned against online harassment and the spreading of malicious information against the members. They are taking even stricter legal action as BTS prepares for a billion-dollar comeback.
