IVE's Wonyoung Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against YouTuber

IVE's Wonyoung has emerged victorious in a second trial against a YouTuber known for spreading malicious rumors about K-pop idols. The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Wonyoung, ordering the defendant to pay 50 million won in damages for defamation. This decision comes after Wonyoung had previously won the first trial, where the court had ordered the YouTuber to pay 100 million won. The YouTuber, who operates a channel infamous for fabricating and spreading false information about K-pop idols, had failed to respond to the initial lawsuit, leading to the default judgment. Only after losing the first trial did the YouTuber appoint legal representation and file an appeal. The appellate court considered the YouTuber's arguments but ultimately reduced the damages to 50 million won. Wonyoung's agency, Starship Entertainment, has expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced amount and plans to appeal the decision. The YouTuber is currently facing multiple civil and criminal lawsuits from various idols and their agencies, including BTS's V and Jungkook, and Kang Daniel. In a related criminal case, the Incheon District Court sentenced the YouTuber to two years in prison, suspended for three years, and ordered the payment of 200 million won in fines for defamation and insult charges against Wonyoung and others. The court criticized the YouTuber for repeatedly defaming celebrities and profiting from provocative content. The YouTuber has expressed remorse, claiming to have been isolated in their own world and unable to make sound judgments.