YouTube channel Sojang was once a sharp thorn in the K-pop fandom community because of its “ѕнσ¢кing reveal” videos, despite providing no actual evidence. The channel frequently went viral with videos targeting top idols, covering topics such as plastic surgery, dating, ρяσѕтιтυтισи, and school-related issues.
Between October 2021 and June 2023, at least 23 videos on this YouTube channel defamed seven public figures, notably including Jang Won Young, Kang Daniel, and BTS members V and Jungkook.
During this period, the Sojang YouTube channel, run by Park Joo Ah (40), attracted approximately 60,000 subscribers, generating about 10 million KRW per month, totaling roughly 250 million KRW (around 185,000 USD) over two years—an income she was reportedly using to purchase multiple real estate properties.
Meanwhile, these malicious rumors caused serious damage to the public image and mental well-being of the idols. Park’s actions violated both ethics and the law. And people like her should never be tolerated!
The affected artists and their agency quietly gathered evidence over a long period to bring her to justice. Beginning in 2024, Park Joo Ah was summoned on charges of spreading false and baseless information about celebrities. Over the past year, she has undergone multiple appeals and trials for a series of complaints.
In the most recent appellate court session on November 11, кσяєαn media reported that the court upheld the lower court’s ruling, sentencing YouTuber Sojang to two years in prison, suspended for three years, for uploading false and defamatory videos about artists. She was convicted of defamation and insult under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.
The appellate court also upheld the lower court’s order requiring Park to pay a fine of 210 million won (around 143,000 USD) and complete 120 hours of community service. Note that this is a financial penalty imposed by the court for Park’s illegal online profiteering, not the civil compensation for individual victims such as V, Jungkook, or Jang Won Young.
Another appeal hearing also is scheduled for November 14, where the Seoul Western District Court will deliver a final decision on the amount Park must pay as compensation to V and Jungkook.
Previously, in February 2025 (кσяєαn time), the court ordered Park Joo Ah to pay a total of approximately 56,400 USD to the two idols and HYBE for the damages she caused, along with statutory interest for late payment and legal fees.
Subsequently, in March 2024, BigHit Music, V, and Jungkook filed a claim seeking specific damages of approximately 67,000 USD (90 million KRW) and requested prosecutors to conduct a criminal investigation.
However, Park Joo Ah appealed the lower court’s ruling and repeatedly refused to pay compensation. The appellate council referred the case for mediation twice—first on June 16, 2025, and then on July 21, 2025—but both attempts failed.
Despite Sojang’s refusal to pay damages, BigHit Music, V, and Jungkook remained determined to pursue the lawsuit to the end. Ahead of the hearing, BigHit Music’s legal representatives reaffirmed the company’s and artists’ stance, stating: “Court findings and the prosecution’s announcements confirm the channel run by the defendant operated as a so-called cyber ‘wrecking’ outlet amounting to insult and defamation. These videos alleged false facts and were produced to profit by disparaging the plaintiffs. The defendant’s conduct infringed portrait and personality rights and obstructed BigHit Music’s business.”
The criminal convictions of YouTuber Sojang, confirmed by the appellate court on November 11, are expected to facilitate the November 14 hearing. The compensation amount is anticipated to remain at least as previously determined by the court.
Although the sum of money may seem small relative to the idols, the important point is that their dignity is being legally protected, setting a precedent to deter those intending to slander or invade the privacy of artists. BigHit Music and the two BTS members’ firm stance has received widespread support from fans.
Fans also flooded social media to celebrate Park Joo Ah being held accountable for the harm she caused the artists. Some commented that the punishment was still light compared to the trouble and psychological impact she inflicted on seven idols and their fans throughout 2021–2023. But in any case, she finally has to “serve time in prison” and return all the illicit money she earned!
