In a significant legal victory, Jang Wonyoung of IVE, along with her agency Starship Entertainment, emerged triumphant in a lawsuit against YouTuber Sojang for damages. The ruling, delivered by the 210th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court, favored the plaintiffs, with Chief Judge Park Jiwon presiding over the case.
IVE’s Jang WonYoung Wins Civil Lawsuit Against YouTuber
Last month, the court ordered YouTuber Sojang to pay 100 million KRW (approximately $74,532.87 USD) in damages to Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment. The calculation included an annual interest rate of 12% until the full repayment is made. The court’s decision not only held Sojang accountable for damages but also mandated the coverage of court costs incurred during the legal proceedings.
Following this legal triumph, Starship Entertainment released an official statement on January 17, updating the public on the progress of legal proceedings against YouTuber Sojang. The statement emphasized that the lawsuit for damages was filed by Jang Wonyoung in October of the previous year.
How Starship Aims to Protect its Artists
Jang Wonyoung’s legal representation argued that the content posted on Sojang’s YouTube channel consistently comprised false information and insults, reaching the level of personal attacks. The evidence presented during the proceedings underscored the fabricated nature of the videos that targeted not only Jang Wonyoung but also other artists affiliated with Starship Entertainment, including IVE.
“We are constantly operating a monitoring system to protect the rights of our artists including their reputation, privacy, and their human rights, and we plan to take all possible legal actions without leniency for the current and future cases of defamation or other additional damages caused to the artists,” the statement read.
The court’s ruling and subsequent statements from Starship Entertainment shed light on the agency’s commitment to protecting its artists from false narratives and defamatory content. Beyond the financial compensation awarded, the legal victory holds broader implications for the entertainment industry, reinforcing the importance of accountability and responsible online behavior.
This legal precedent serves as a reminder that artists and their agencies are increasingly proactive in safeguarding their reputations in the digital realm. The successful resolution of this case not only vindicates Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment but also underscores the importance of truth and integrity in online content creation.
