KakaoTalk conversations have been recognized as admissible evidence in the damages lawsuit between Source Music and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin
On August 22, the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court held the third hearing in Source Music’s 500 million KRW (~362,064 USD) damages lawsuit against Min Hee Jin.
At the second hearing in May, Source Music submitted a 20-minute presentation as evidence. However, Min Hee Jin’s side objected, arguing that the KakaoTalk messages were unlawfully obtained. The court dismissed Min Hee Jin’s argument, stating, "It is difficult to see these KakaoTalk records as violating the Protection of Communications Secrets Act," and ruled, "They will be admitted and disclosed as evidence."
Min Hee Jin’s side also argued that the public presentation was unfair, adding, "Even mentioning the KakaoTalk contents during the trial is problematic," and made repeated requests to the court.
In response, Source Music countered, "Didn’t Min Hee Jin herself read the KakaoTalk messages aloud and openly criticize during a press conference in the past? This presentation was also something Min Hee Jin’s side initially proposed."
They further stated, "Now that unfavorable KakaoTalk messages are coming up, requesting restrictions on the presentation cannot be considered fair. Quoting the KakaoTalk contents during oral arguments is a legitimate exercise of litigation rights."
The court concluded, "We do not see the necessity of a public presentation, so we will not proceed with it. However, oral arguments will be conducted in open court as per the principle."
The next hearing is scheduled for November 7.
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