BTS’ Taehyung, Jungkook & BigHit Music reportedly files a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Sojang for spreading malicious rumors

On August 16, 2024, BTS members Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook, along with BIGHIT MUSIC (now HYBE Labels), filed a defamation lawsuit against the Korean YouTube channel Sojang (also known as Taldeok Camp or Quitting Fandom Center).

South Korean media outlet Star News reported they are seeking 90 million won (about $66,284) in damages. The first court hearing is scheduled for August 23, 2024, at the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court.

BIGHIT MUSIC said,

"We are regularly taking legal action against those who write malicious posts containing defamation, insults, s*xual harassment, false information, and malicious slander against BTS. We will continue to take strict measures in civil and criminal cases so that perpetrators can receive strong legal punishment and there will be no settlement or leniency..."

For the unversed, this filing concerns the YouTuber's malicious rumors for BTS that started in 2021. Reportedly, a BTS fan discovered the YouTube link on Weverse in December 2021, claiming that it contained damaging rumors regarding several celebrities, including BTS, aespa, TXT, NCT, The Boyz, and others.

BTS' Taehyung commented on the fan's post stating that he would personally sue Sojang for hurting him and his friends.

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BTS' Taehyung's previous warning to Sojang for defamation resurfaces online

As mentioned, in 2021, Sojang spread malicious content via its YouTube channel about Taehyung's alleged alcoholism and more. The channel is infamous for targeting several K-pop idols for views and was even sued by IVE's Wooyoung.

Later, in May 2023, Taehyung's comment on the ARMY's post on Weverse from 2021 resurfaced online. He stated that he would sue Sojang as the channel had started targeting his friends and family.

"Oh?!! I’ll proceed with the lawsuit, I’ll probably get enough to buy some cookies, he’s even messing with family and friends. Goodbye," Taehyung said about the lawsuit.

Star News reported that in another Weverse post, Taehyung wrote,

"I just skimmed through it, but not only us, but all artists hate people like that. All fans and ARMYs may or may not have monitored it, but I will sue on behalf of those who were hurt and lost their courage. Oh, of course. I'm mentally stronger than you think (For example, Suga)."

After this, Sojang shared a now-deleted video where he took pride that the BTS idol personally watched his video. Times of India reported that Sojang went ahead to say that this suit would become harder and more expensive for the BTS idol.

Later, in 2022, after gathering enough evidence, BIGHIT MUSIC filed a lawsuit against the de-fan camp, Sojang, in June 2022. The company alleged defamation and business obstruction because of the YouTube channel. Subsequently, the investigation was decided to be put on hold by legal authorities for reasons unknown.

However, by acquiring the de-fan camp's personal information and giving it to the investigating authorities, BIGHIT MUSIC proactively asked that the inquiry be renewed in May 2023.

In March 2024, the company filed an additional lawsuit against Sojang along with Taehyung and Jungkook. This resulted in the 12th Civil Division of the Seoul Western District Court giving its first hearing date to be held on August 23, 2024.

BIGHIT MUSIC stated in their March 2024 statement,

"In the previous lawsuit, many suspects were sent to the prosecution, and we are awaiting the results of the criminal punishment for the suspects. Even though it will take some time for the punishment of the suspects, we will take strong legal action until the end."

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In other news, BTS' Taehyung and Jungkook are currently serving in the South Korean military since December 2023. They are scheduled to return in June 2025 with the rest of the BTS members to resume group activities.