BTS members V and Jungkook won a civil defamation case against a YouTube channel that spread false rumours about them. The Seoul court ordered the operator to pay increased damages, reinforcing accountability for online misinformation and protecting artists’ reputations
BTS V and Jungkook
Members of global K-pop sensation BTS, V (Kim Taehyung) and Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook), have secured a notable legal victory in their ongoing effort to protect their reputations online. In a recent ruling by the Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Appeals Division, the operator of a now-defunct YouTube channel was ordered to pay substantial damages for posting defamatory content about the two artists, marking another milestone in the battle against harmful online rumors and misinformation.
BTS V and Jungkook win the civil suit
On January 23, the appellate court ruled in favour of V and Jungkook in their civil suit against the owner of the YouTube channel known as Taldeoksooyongso. The channel had gained notoriety for publishing videos that spread false rumours and misleading content about celebrities, including the BTS members. The court found that this content had caused reputational harm, and adjusted the damages to reflect the extent of that impact.
The court ordered the channel operator to pay a total of 86 million won in damages, an increase from earlier rulings. This figure includes additional compensation directed specifically to both V and Jungkook, with the appellate court adding 5 million won in damages for each member. The higher award was intended to more accurately represent the harm done by the defamatory videos. The original civil ruling had already ordered smaller individual payments to the artists and their agency, and the appeals decision built upon that foundation.
All about the legal dispute
The legal dispute underscores a broader challenge that many public figures, especially high-profile entertainers like BTS, face in today’s digital environment — dealing with rapid spread of unverified and harmful content online. By pursuing civil action, V and Jungkook have sent a clear message about the seriousness with which they regard their reputations and the effects of online defamation.
Legal experts note that this case could have important implications for others in the entertainment industry, as it reinforces the accountability of content creators and platforms when harmful and incorrect information is published. The ruling may encourage more artists and public figures to take legal steps when they feel their names and careers are unfairly targeted, reflecting growing legal scrutiny over online misinformation.
For V, Jungkook and their global fanbase, the decision represents both a legal and symbolic victory in the ongoing effort to address defamation and protect artists’ rights in the digital age.
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