Find out why BTS’s V and Jungkook sued Sojang, a controversial YouTube channel whose content focused on K-pop idols
V and Jungkookfrom BTS, are suing the controversial YouTuber “Sojang” channel! On August 16, news came to light that the two idols started the lawsuit, through the record label Big Hit Music, requesting ₩90 million (approximately R$367.9 thousand at the current exchange rate), for defamation and slander.
As reported by the Star News portal, the action was opened in March 2024, and the first hearing is scheduled for August 23.
Why did BTS’s V and Jungkook sue Sojang?
To understand why, it is necessary to know that the YouTube channel “Sojang” became popular by spreading rumors and malicious accusations about K-pop idols. The information was presented without evidence and only tarnished the artists’ reputation, making the channel a fertile ground for hate speech and prejudice against groups and soloists in the South Korean music industry.
Due to the appealing and unfounded content whose purpose was only to attract views, the channel was sued by artists such as Xiuminfrom EXO; Jang Wonyoungfrom IVE; Kang Danielex-Wanna One and the most recent of them, V and Jungkookfrom BTS.
As reported by the Sportskeeda portal, rumors about BTS began to spread in 2021 and, after a video of “Sojang” arrived on the Weverse community, where a fan of the group shared the link to the content warning that the video contained accusations not only from the septet, but also from other celebrities such as aespa, TXT and NCT, V stated that he would initiate a process.
I’m going to continue with the process, I’ll probably get enough to buy some cookies, he’s even messing with my family and friends,” V said in response to the post.
In another post, according to Star News, he also revealed: “I just took a look, but not only us, but all artists hate people like that. All fans and ARMYs [fãs do BTS] may or may not have monitored, but I will sue on behalf of those who were hurt and lost their nerve. Oh, sure. I’m mentally stronger than you think.”
At the time, “Sojang” uploaded a video (now deleted) showing satisfaction upon learning that V had watched the video full of false information.
As a result, months later, in June 2022, Big Hit Music filed a lawsuit against the YouTube channel, alleging defamation and obstruction of business. For undisclosed reasons, the investigation was suspended by legal authorities until May 2023, when the agency requested the renewal of the investigation by presenting personal information of those involved with the channel.
After the process was resumed, on June 29, 2023, the identity of the person who managed “Sojang” was revealed by the author of the videos herself on the Nate Pann platform, where the YouTuber Park Joo Ah confirmed the production of the channel’s content and made an apology.
Read the translation of the letter reported by the Koreaboo portal:
Hello.
This is Park Joo Ah, who ran the YouTube channel Sojang.
From the first video I uploaded until my account was hacked, I also know how malicious my videos were. I think I was just trying to get attention.
As fans of the idols and famous actors I targeted watched the videos, I was under the illusion that there would be a lot of views and that I would earn a good income. Just as I had predicted, the views started to rise as time went on, and I got a taste of the income that came with it.
I am deeply sorry to the idols and actors who appeared in my videos. Whether I was crazy about the money or the views, I was crazy anyway. When BTS’s V said he knew about my channel, I acted to get attention and targeted him even more. I am deeply sorry to him for that. I am also deeply sorry for editing photos and videos I took from the internet and using them to create exaggerated lies, giving Jang Wonyoung psychological pain. In addition to these two, I am also deeply sorry to the other people who received psychological pain through my lying videos and malicious rumors. I am also deeply sorry to the fans. I will not do such things again.
This time, my channel was hacked. To be more specific, my email was hacked. With that, my channel disappeared and made me rethink my crimes. The reason for this post is not because of any lawsuits from the celebrities or their agencies, or any victims asking for compensation. I am confident that I will be able to properly accept any lawsuits.
I feel sorry for the celebrities. I have created a second channel. The name will be the same as before. I cannot stop being a YouTuber and I will continue to be active on the platform. But the purpose and direction of the channel will be different. I will not create videos like I did in the past. I will create videos that will create a positive effect for celebrities. I will not make any profit from the second channel. I will not make any profit from any method such as advertisements. Finally, I will donate all the profits I have made so far. [com os vídeos maliciosos].
I know that the words “I’m sorry” will not make me forgiven for my crimes that lasted for about two years.
I am truly sorry. I am so sorry. I am deeply sorry to both the relevant parties and those who have been harmed by my videos.”
Still, in March 2024, Big Hit filed an additional lawsuit against “Sojang”, the hearing for which was scheduled by the 12th Civil Division of the Western District Court of Seoul, South Korea, for August 23, 2024.
In the previous case, many suspects were sent to the prosecution, and we are awaiting the results of the criminal punishment for the suspects. Even if it takes some time for the punishment of the suspects, we will take strong legal action until the end,” Big Hit Music said in a statement at the time.
Source: Recreio
