MUSIC
SM Entertainment Wins Lawsuit Against YouTube Channel for Defamation of Idols
On the 22nd, the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul District Court ruled that the operator of the 'Taldeok Asylum' channel infringed on the personal rights of aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet by producing and posting videos with defamatory expressions, ordering a total of 130 million won in damages to each plaintiff.
The court stated, "The videos produced and posted by the defendant directly influenced public perception of the plaintiff singers, leading to a decline in SM's image and brand value. The image and external reputation of the plaintiff singers are core assets of the plaintiff company, and the defendant's actions have significantly hindered the company's business operations," ordering 40 million won in damages. This resulted in a total damages ruling of 170 million won.
In April 2024, SM filed a lawsuit against the channel operator for defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act concerning aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet. The 'Taldeok Asylum' channel operator was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year probation, 120 hours of community service, and a fine of approximately 211.42 million won by the Incheon District Court on January 15, 2025. Despite appeals, the original verdict was upheld.
The court noted, "The defendant disseminated false information about the plaintiff singers through the 'Taldeok Asylum' channel and produced and posted videos containing defamatory or contemptuous expressions, publicly insulting the plaintiff singers. This significantly exceeded the bounds of mere opinion expression and severely infringed on the plaintiffs' honor and personal rights."
SM stated, "We will continue to take strong legal action against illegal activities, criminal acts, and YouTube channels that engage in defamation, insults, contemptuous expressions, and the dissemination of false information to protect our artists."
Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia one@tenasia.co.kr
