YouTuber A, the operator of a channel accused of defaming singer Kang Daniel, filed an appeal after being found guilty in the first trial. Following this, the appellate court decided to refer the case to mediation.
On November 27, 2024, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 27 delivered its judgment on Kang Daniel's lawsuit, demanding 100 million KRW (about $70,000) in damages from A. The court ruled that A must pay Kang Daniel 30 million KRW (about $20,500), plus delayed interest, and cover 70% of the litigation costs, granting partial victory to the plaintiff. Both A and Kang Daniel filed appeals, and the case was passed on to the second trial.
On December 3, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 5-2, which inherited the case, decided to refer the case to mediation. Mediation is a process in which both parties attempt to settle the dispute through mutual agreement. This will involve a mediation session where both sides work toward a resolution.
A was charged with defaming Kang Daniel in 2022 by uploading a video titled 'The Disordered Private Life of the National Boyfriend Idol' on their YouTube channel. The channel, which produced videos based on malicious rumors about idols, had posted several defamatory videos about famous celebrities and influencers, leading to allegations of defamation. The channel has since been deleted.
In addition to Kang Daniel, IVE’s Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment also filed damage lawsuits against A, winning in the first trial. However, A appealed the ruling, and the case is now under appeal. Other celebrities, including BTS's V, Jungkook, aespa's Karina, and EXO's Suho, have also filed complaints against A.
During the criminal trial, A expressed remorse in their final statement, stating, "I was immature and thoughtless. I deeply regret hurting the victims. I ask for leniency." However, the first trial court rejected A's claims, stating that A's purpose was clearly to defame the victim. The court also criticized A for failing to verify the authenticity of the video and not providing clear sources, which led to significant harm to the victim’s reputation.
In response to the ruling, Kang Daniel’s agency, ARA, stated, "Regardless of whether the defendant appeals, we will file a civil lawsuit for 100 million KRW (about $70,000). This is the minimum measure to prevent future victims and to ensure that such incidents do not occur again."
As both sides continue to seek legal recourse, there is growing curiosity about the possibility of a settlement. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen.
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