IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Wins Lawsuit Against YouTuber

Celebrities often face defamation and false accusations in the digital age, but what happens when they fight back and win? Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE, found herself at the center of such controversy when a YouTuber targeted her with baseless allegations. In a recent legal battle, she emerged victorious against the YouTuber who had spread harmful rumors about the young idol.

What Happened?

In October of the previous year, Jang Wonyoung initiated a lawsuit seeking damages. Her lawyer asserted that the content on the accused YouTube channel consistently comprised false information and insults at a personal level. Evidence was submitted to support the claim that the videos shared by Park were untrue. The lawyer argued that the actions constituted both civil illegality and criminal defamation and insult.

Jang Wonyoung, along with Starship Entertainment, filed charges against Park for defamation and insult, in addition to pursuing damages. The case is currently under investigation by the Gangnam Police Station. Simultaneously, a separate legal proceeding is underway. It is about Starship Entertainment’s claim of defamation and interference in their business due to false information about Jang Wonyoung.

From False Accusations to Lawsuit

In the ongoing civil suit and criminal case involving Jang Wonyoung, the accused, Park, asserted ignorance of the falsity of their content. He claimed a “right to know about celebrities.” Jang’s lawyer expressed outrage at Park’s claim that the video was uploaded for public purposes and deemed illegal. Jang Wonyoung’s primary contention is that the video, based on rumors, not only caused her psychological distress but also adversely affected other celebrities, impeding their entertainment activities. The lawyer highlighted the severity of Park’s actions, emphasizing their profit-seeking motive through video production.

Starship Entertainment, having obtained Park’s identity from a U.S. court last year, filed a complaint. Despite Park’s deletion of the YouTube account and an apology, Starship persisted with the lawsuit. Jang Wonyoung’s victory sets something straight. It signals that YouTubers using overseas platforms as a shield for insulting celebrities can no longer evade legal consequences.

Jang Wonyoung Wins Lawsuit

In a recent legal development, Group IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and her management company, Starship Entertainment, have secured a victory in their lawsuit against YouTuber Sojang for damages. The Seoul Central District Court’s 210th Civil Division, led by Chief Judge Park Jiwon, ruled in favor of Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment in their 100 million won damages lawsuit against Sojang.

The court mandated that Sojang pay a total of 100,000,000 KRW (approximately $74,532.87 USD). This is with an annual interest rate of 12% applied until the full repayment is made. Moreover, the ruling stipulates that Sojang is responsible for covering not only the principal amount and interest but also the court costs incurred during the legal proceedings.

How Did IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Win This Lawsuit?

The cyber defamation law in South Korea addresses instances of libel or slander expressed online, particularly on publicly accessible websites. Unlike traditional libel and slander laws, cyber defamation is often treated as a tort rather than a crime. This legislation empowers the police to take action against hateful comments without requiring reports from the victims.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC), South Korea’s telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, is contemplating revisions to the current Telecommunications Law to impose more regulations and increased scrutiny on major Internet portals. Discussions surrounding stricter laws in cyberspace have been fueled by controversies. This is particularly true after a celebrity’s suicide in South Korea. It prompted debates on the necessity of such legislation. The proposed law was supported by the governing Grand National Party (GNP). It would enable police to investigate cyber defamation cases even without complaints from the victims, a stance opposed by the Democratic Party.

Agree to Disagree

Advocates argue that existing laws have failed to curb the rising number of cyber defamation victims. They emphasized the need for stricter regulations to balance freedom of speech with responsibility. They argue that the rapid dissemination of information on the Internet makes cyberbullying and defamation especially damaging without effective regulatory measures.

Opponents contend that current laws are sufficient for regulating cyberspace and express concerns about potential abuse by authorities targeting individuals with opposing views. They caution that such legislation may negatively impact freedom of speech, citing the ambiguity of defining “defamation” and questioning whether it should be determined by a third party rather than the victims themselves.

What do you think of this entire situation? Is it right for Jang Wonyoung to win this lawsuit?

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