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On October 29, 2024, Korean media outlet Naver reported that HYBE strongly rejected claims that it subscribed to Sojang, a prominent YouTuber infamous for distributing malicious content against many artists, including those under HYBE's management. The company responded after recent reports of HYBE becoming a VIP member of YouTuber's channel surfaced on October 28.
In view of the current circumstances, a HYBE official responded to the claims in a statement to Ilgan Sports, a Korean daily sports and entertainment media newspaper, on October 29, 2024. The HYBE’s representative said:
“The accusations are not true.”
Netizen revealed HYBE’s connection with YouTuber Sojang
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On October 28, a netizen reported on a social media site that HYBE was allegedly a paid member of the YouTuber. The netizen also shared a photo of Sojang's YouTube community notification. In the shared image, the YouTuber made the following announcement:
"We are honored to have a major entertainment company sign up for Sojang membership." It continued, "It's one of these companies - SM, YG, JYP, or HYBE."
The netizen highlighted a recent inside document from HYBE, which mentioned SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan as proof that HYBE was a paid subscriber.
The netizen contended that HYBE must have a premium membership with YouTuber, as the business had access to data exclusively available to paid subscribers. However, the entertainment company has refuted the allegations.
HYBE has initiated eight cases at the Seoul Western District Court against seven YouTube channels, including Sojang, deemed "cyber wreckers" for disseminating unfounded claims about celebrities.
Sojang, on the other hand, faced charges for defamation. The sentence hearing for Ms. Park (YouTuber), who was charged with slander and defamation according to the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, was held on October 23 in the Criminal Division 11 of the Incheon District Court.
However, the lawsuit requested that Ms. Park be sentenced to four years in prison and fined 21 million KRW. They underlined that she deliberately released fraudulent footage and repeatedly insulted the victims, causing defamation.
The indictment also underlined how Ms. Park's conduct affected the victims' agencies' operations and how she managed a paid membership business while persistently concentrating on the victims' private lives.
In the past, the YouTuber created and shared videos that contained erroneous data about a number of prominent individuals, including Suho from EXO, Karina from Aespa, Jang Wonyoung from IVE, Kang Daniel, V from BTS, and others, raking in money. According to reports, she has made a profit of almost 250 million KRW.
The YouTuber now faces four years in prison and a heavy fine. She has been sued for defamation by other musicians, including IVE's Wonyoung, who played a crucial role in initiating inquiry processes into Sojang.
