The legal dispute between IVE’s Jang Won Young and ‘Sojang’ escalates, with the Seoul Central District Court setting a date for the first appeal trial on September 4.
Initiated by Jang Won Young and Starship Entertainment in November 2022, the lawsuit accuses ‘Sojang’ of cyber defamation.
Allegedly, ‘Sojang’ posted 23 videos between October 2021 and June 2023 containing false claims and derogatory remarks about Jang Won Young and other celebrities. Among these were accusations of jealousy and professional sabotage, sparking significant public backlash.
Prosecutors uncovered that ‘Sojang’ generated substantial revenue, part of which was used for real estate acquisitions. Despite claims of protected speech, attempts to conceal evidence raised doubts about ‘Sojang’s’ defense strategy.
Earlier this year, Jang Won Young secured partial victory in her 100 million KRW damages claim, but ‘Sojang’ appealed, prolonging the legal standoff.
Starship Entertainment remains steadfast in seeking justice, rejecting settlements to uphold cyber defamation standards. They stress the case’s importance in shaping legal precedents amid growing concerns over online misinformation and its impacts on public figures.
Jang Won Young’s recent song “Blue Heart” from IVE’s EP “IVE SWITCH” sparked speculation due to its lyrics seemingly referencing the legal battle with ‘Sojang.’ Despite this distraction, IVE’s comeback has been well-received, particularly their track “HEYA,” signaling resilience amidst legal challenges.
