IVE’s Jang Wonyoung defamation case: Sojang files appeal against Starship agency

The infamous legal battle between Starship Entertainment and the controversial YouTube channel Sojang has amplified to the core. Earlier this month, Starship won the case in court yet Sojang has again filed an appeal.

As per the insiders from the litigation, on June 18, the operator of Sojang appealed against the Seoul Central District Court few weeks ago. This has grabbed eyeballs since high-profile names have been looped in the case.

Judgement favoring Starship in civil court

On June 4, the 50th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court, led by Judge Choi Mi Young, harnessed a judgement in favour of Starship Entertainment against Sojang. The court ruled that the YouTuber had tarnished the profession of the agency and its artists by imparting derogatory content.

The court added that Sojang’s operator will have to pay 50 million KRW (approx. 36,500 USD) in damages to the agency against the requested 100 million KRW in compensation, by the latter.

About Sojang, the YouTube channel operator

The operator of Sojang gained traction for sharing cyberbullying-style content online. These curated videos vehemently targeted celebrities with rumors, twisted stories, and conspiracies. The channel gained an immense viewership rate from October 2021 to June 2023 by conistently defaming Jang Wonyoung (IVE), BTS, EXO, aespa, and Kang Daniel.

Sojang witnesses an array of charges

In the hindsight, Starship and Jang Wonyoung filed criminal charges against Sojang’s operator. The court, after evaluating the behavioral patterns and evidence, sentenced the individual two-year in prison. However, it was terminated for three years until further offenses happens in the future. This has been challenged in the court seeking the gravitas of the case by the prosecutors.

In a different damages lawsuit, Jang Wonyoung attained a partial victory. The court instructed Sojang to pay the idol 50 million KRW.

Sojang also faces litigation battles filed by BTS (BigHit Music), EXO (SM Entertainment), aespa, and soloist Kang Daniel.