BTS’s V and Jungkook are moving forward with their lawsuit against the controversial YouTuber Sojang after mediation efforts fell through.
On July 21, 2025, a local media outlet reported that the parties could not reach a settlement, and the Seoul Western District Court will now proceed with appellate trial.
The case dates back to March 2024, when V, Jungkook, and their agency BIGHIT MUSIC filed a 90 million won (roughly $65,000) damages lawsuit against the YouTuber, identified as Park Joo Ah. The YT channel operator was accused of spreading false information, damaging their reputations, and interfering with the label’s business.
The lawsuit also included claims of copyright infringement, as Sojang used company-owned content without permission.
From October 2021 to June 2023, Park Joo Ah operated the YouTube channel and regularly uploaded videos based on malicious rumors about various celebrities. V and Jungkook were among the main targets, which prompted BIGHIT to take firm legal action.
In the first trial, the court sided with the plaintiffs, ordering the defendant to pay a total of 76 million KRW in damages, 51 million to BIGHIT, 10 million to V, and 15 million to Jungkook. The defendant appealed the ruling, and the appellate court initially opted for mediation to resolve the dispute without further hearings. However, after discussions failed, the lawsuit returned to trial.
This is not an isolated defamation case. Several other K-pop stars, including Kang Daniel, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, and aespa, have also taken legal action against the same channel for defamation and spreading falsehoods.
BIGHIT MUSIC previously issued statements warning that it would continue to pursue civil and criminal charges against individuals or platforms that spread harmful content about its artists.
BTS has wrapped up their military service, and most members, including Jungkook and V, are now in the U.S. working on their group album set for spring 2026.
