K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment has secured a legal victory against the operator of the controversial YouTube channel “Sojang” after pursuing legal action over the spread of personal attacks and malicious content targeting its artists.
In a latest statement released by the agency, SM Entertainmentconfirmed that the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled on April 22 that the channel operator violated the personality rights of artists under its K-pop groups EXO, Red Velvet, and aespa by producing and distributing videos containing personal attacks and defamatory content.
The final court ruling has also ordered the defendant to pay a total of 130 million won in damages to the artists. It also found that the channel’s actions caused significant harm to SM Entertainment’s business operations and brand value, resulting in an additional 40 million won in damages awarded to the company.
These result into a total ordered compensation of 170 million won (approx. $115,000 or over P7 million).
The court ruled, “The videos produced and posted by the channel operator led to a decline in the image and brand value of SM artists, which are core assets of SM, thereby causing substantial disruption to SM’s business operations and performance.”
The legal battle began in April 2024 when SM Entertainment filed a criminal complaint against the Sojang for defamation and insults under South Korea’s information and communications law. A civil suit followed in October of the same year.
Earlier, on January of last year, the defendant faced a two-year prison sentence, a three-year suspension, along with 120 hours of community service and the forfeiture of over 200 million won (approx. $142,838 or P8.8 million) after the Incheon District Court ruled that the operator had severely damaged the reputation and dignity of SM artists by spreading false information and posting malicious content.
Concluding its statement, SM Entertainment reiterated its firm stance against malicious online content: “We will continue to take strong legal action, adhering to a policy of zero tolerance, against any YouTube channels that engage in personal attacks, use insulting or derogatory language, or habitually disseminate false information in order to protect our artists.”
The agency also urged individuals to immediately cease any illegal activities targeting its artists.
