The ongoing legal feud between budding K-pop sensation IVE’s Wonyoung and the controversial YouTuber known as “Sojang” has taken a controversial turn as the latter refuses to comply with court orders and denies the existence of conclusive apologies. mail.
Court decision appealed
In a twist to the saga that has gripped entertainment circles since October 2024, when Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment filed a lawsuit against Sojang for defamation and insult, the YouTuber, identified as Park, appealed, challenging the court’s ruling.
Despite being ordered to pay KRW 100 million (approximately US$75,200) to the victim, Sojang requested that the enforcement of the decision be suspended.
This maneuver, executed on January 17, entailed a substantial bond to prevent any enforcement action, effectively halting the payment of damages.
Starship Entertainment shared updates on Wonyoung’s victory in the lawsuit against controversial YouTuber Sojang. Read the authority’s statement here. #IVE #JangWonyoung #Wonyoung #Sojang #StarshipEntertainment https://t.co/XeDjywIHp3
– KpopStarz (@kpopstarz) 17 January 2024
“Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment Win Lawsuit Against YouTuber S*jang, Court Ordered Payment of $74.5K. » “This victory sets a precedent against foreign-based content as a shield against celebrity insults, signaling accountability for such actions. » pic.twitter.com/xdewU1vE2p
– Anyway KamenDive (@DragonAndBallZz) 17 January 2024
🎥 (VIDEO) 240117 Yonhap News TV update with Jang WonyoungJang Wonyoung wins defamation lawsuit against YouTuber🔗 https://t.co/JSZLjT0NNp #Jang Wonyoung #JANGWONYOUNG #IVE #I pic.twitter.com/FBuOs2YJUI
– WONYOUNG GLOBAL (@WonyoungGlobal) 17 January 2024
IF YOU MISSED THIS: IVE Jang Wonyoung’s Hate Train Reportedly Fueled by Sojang’s ‘Part-Timer’ + DIVE, K-Net Furious
Letter of denial of apology
Furthering the legal tangle, Park, the individual behind Sojang’s persona, refuted claims that he had issued a contrite apology letter, which had appeared online in June 2023.
The missive, allegedly written by Sojang, expressed remorse to several celebrities, including Wonyoung and BTS’ V, for fabricating accusations and spreading malicious rumors through their YouTube channel.
However, Park categorically denies writing such a letter, saying the content posted online served the public interest and therefore did not constitute defamation.
Dispute the court decision
In addition, Sojang disputes the unreasonable compensation the court is demanding, arguing that even if their actions constituted defamation, the damages are disproportionate. This defiant stance prolongs the legal dispute between the warring parties, further exacerbating tensions.
Legal maneuvers and media exposure
In response to Park’s appeal, Wonyoung’s legal representatives launched several moves to apprehend the elusive YouTuber. Recent revelations by Wonyoung’s lawyer have shed light on the painstaking efforts made to apprehend Park, underscoring the seriousness of the legal impasse.
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