The legal drama between BTS members V and Jungkook and controversial YouTuber Sojang has taken another dramatic turn. Despite court-mediated settlement discussions on July 21, 2025, the two parties failed to reach an agreement, forcing the defamation trial to continue.
This high-profile case, which has captivated K-pop fans worldwide, shows no signs of ending soon as both sides remain firm in their positions.
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What Happened in Court?
V and Jungkook’s legal representatives participated in a court-mediated discussion at 9:40 AM KST on July 21 at the Seoul Western District Court. The session aimed to explore a potential settlement that would benefit both parties without continuing the lengthy trial process.
However, after extensive discussions, the court declared “mediation failed,” meaning the existing trial procedure will resume. This development indicates that the case, which began in February 2024, is far from over.
Case Timeline and Key Details
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| October 2021 – June 2023 | Sojang uploads 23 defamatory videos |
| January 2025 | V & Jungkook file 90M KRW lawsuit |
| February 2025 | Court rules in favor of BTS members |
| June 16, 2025 | Case redirected to settlement format |
| July 21, 2025 | Settlement mediation fails |
The Original Defamation Victory
Earlier this year, the legal battle reached a significant milestone. The court ordered Sojang to pay Big Hit Music 51 million KRW ($35,000 USD), V 10 million KRW ($7,000 USD), and Jungkook 15 million KRW ($10,000 USD).
The cyber offender uploaded 23 videos with unverified claims about the K-pop idols from October 2021 to June 2023, spreading false information that damaged their reputation and caused emotional distress.
Why the Settlement Failed
The failed mediation suggests fundamental disagreements between the parties. While specific details remain confidential due to court proceedings, several factors likely contributed to the breakdown:
Financial Disputes: The original 90 million KRW demand versus the awarded 76 million KRW may have created ongoing tension.
Public Apology Requirements: V and Jungkook may have demanded public acknowledgment of wrongdoing that Sojang was unwilling to provide.
Future Content Restrictions: The BTS members likely sought assurances about future defamatory content creation.
Appeal Considerations: Sojang may be planning to appeal the original verdict, complicating settlement negotiations.
Sojang’s Pattern of Defamation
This isn’t Sojang’s first legal defeat. Besides the suit against the BTS members, Sojang also lost other defamation cases, including those involving IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and former Wanna One member Kang Daniel.
The YouTuber has built a controversial career by spreading unverified claims about K-pop celebrities, often crossing legal boundaries in pursuit of views and engagement.
Impact on BTS and the K-Pop Industry
This case represents a broader trend of K-pop artists taking stronger legal action against online harassment and defamation. The entertainment industry has increasingly recognized that protecting artist welfare requires aggressive legal responses to malicious content creators.
For BTS fans, this ongoing battle demonstrates the group’s commitment to defending their reputation and mental health against persistent online attacks.
What’s Next for the Legal Battle?
With settlement talks failed, the case returns to formal court proceedings. This means:
- Extended Timeline: The legal process could continue for several more months
- Public Testimony: Both sides may need to present additional evidence in open court
- Higher Stakes: Failed mediation often leads to stricter judicial outcomes
- Precedent Setting: The final ruling could influence future defamation cases in the Korean entertainment industry
The Seoul Western District Court will now schedule the next phase of proceedings, likely involving more detailed hearings and evidence presentation.
A Victory Despite Ongoing Proceedings
While the settlement failure extends the legal battle, V and Jungkook have already achieved significant victories. The court’s initial ruling validated their claims and established important precedents for protecting K-pop artists from malicious online content.
This case continues to highlight the serious consequences faced by content creators who spread false information about public figures, especially in South Korea’s increasingly strict digital landscape.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop legal news and BTS updates at TechnoSports.co.in
FAQs
Q: How much money did V and Jungkook originally seek in damages?
A: V and Jungkook initially filed for 90 million KRW (approximately $63,000 USD) in damages, though the court ultimately awarded 76 million KRW total in February 2025.
Q: Will V and Jungkook have to appear in court personally now that settlement talks failed?
A: While not confirmed, failed settlement mediation typically requires more formal court proceedings, which could potentially involve personal testimony from the plaintiffs, though their legal representatives may continue handling most proceedings.
