Fans are likely no strangers to the name YouTuber Sojang, the operator of the YouTube channel “탈덕수용소” (Talduk Camp / “Fandom Escape Camp”). The channel frequently drew attention for so-called “ѕнσ¢кing exposé” videos—despite lacking any verified evidence—targeting top-tier idols and addressing topics such as plastic surgery, dating, appearance, and school-related issues. These fabricated videos were highly malicious and defamatory in nature. Sojang employed tactics such as voice modulation and manipulated editing, while running the channel under a tiered paid membership system.
Between October 2021 and June 2023, at least 23 videos uploaded to the channel defamed seven public figures, most notably Jang Wonyoung, Kang Daniel, and BTS members V and Jungkook. During this period, the Sojang YouTube channel—operated by Park Joo-ah (40)—amαѕѕed approximately 60,000 subscribers and generated an estimated 10 million KRW per month, totaling around 250 million KRW (approximately USD 185,000) over two years. The funds are alleged to have been used to purchase multiple real estate properties.
However, this conduct did not go unchecked! The affected artists and their respective agencies had been quietly collecting evidence over an extended period, ultimately bringing Park before the courts in 2024. Since then, Park Joo-ah, operating under the alias Sojang, has undergone multiple trials and appeals on charges related to the dissemination of false and unsubstantiated information about celebrities.
Most recently, on the 23rd of this month, Park Joo-ah appeared in court again for the appellate hearing of a civil damages lawsuit filed by BigHit Music, the agency representing V and Jungkook. According to кσяєαn media reports, the Seoul Western District Court, Civil Appellate Division 2-1 (Presiding Judge: Lee Joon-cheol) ruled to partially overturn the portion of the first-instance judgment unfavorable to V and Jungkook. In effect, BigHit Music and the two artists secured a decisive victory in their second trial, prevailing comprehensively on appeal.
Furthermore, the appellate court ordered: “The defendant (Park Joo-ah) shall additionally compensate 5 million KRW to V and 5 million KRW to Jeon Jungkook.” This means that, in addition to the previously ordered damages, Sojang is required to pay an additional approximately USD 3,400 to each artist.
Previously, in February of last year, the court of first instance issued a partial ruling in favor of BigHit Music, ordering the defendant to pay approximately USD 38,000 to BigHit Music, USD 7,400 to V, and USD 11,000 to Jungkook, along with statutory interest for late payment and litigation costs—amounting to a total of approximately USD 56,400. Should the appellate ruling be upheld, Park Joo-ah will be liable for a total compensation of roughly USD 63,000.
Meanwhile, this favorable ruling for V and Jungkook is the result of a prolonged and uncompromising legal battle that began in March 2024, when the two artists—through BigHit Music—filed a lawsuit against Park Joo-ah on charges of defamation and unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.
From 2024 through November 2025, Park Joo-ah repeatedly appealed lower-court decisions and consistently refused to pay damages. During this time, the appellate panel referred the case to court-mediated settlement on at least two occasions—first on June 16, 2025, and again on July 21, 2025—both of which ultimately failed. It was not until the two appellate hearings held on November 11 and November 14 last year, in which the appellate court affirmed the criminal conviction and maintained the compensation amount, that the case saw a significant turning point.
In addition, Sojang had previously been indicted for uploading false and defamatory videos targeting Jang Wonyoung (IVE), facing charges under the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). In the criminal trial at first instance, the court sentenced Park to two years in prison, suspended for three years, along with 120 hours of community service and an order to forfeit approximately 200 million KRW. The appellate court upheld the same ruling, and the Supreme Court of кσяєα is scheduled to hold the final appellate sentencing hearing on the 29th of this month. In a separate civil lawsuit filed by Jang Wonyoung, a ruling ordering Park to pay 50 million KRW in damages has already become final and binding.
Ultimately, while the compensation amounts may appear modest compared to the harm inflicted upon V, Jungkook, and Jang Wonyoung, the key takeaway is that their dignity has been legally upheld, and the perpetrator has been made to face appropriate legal consequences. This case also serves as a clear warning to those who may consider defamation or violations of artists’ privacy.
Fans have since flooded social media to celebrate Park Joo-ah being held accountable for the damage she caused, commenting: “Hoe get what she deserves lol. Sue them all", “I saw the video titles—it’s quite disturbing. She has to pay the price for her sins", “V and Jungkook finally made her pay for her crimes", “She once challenged V’s announcement that he would file a lawsuit. Karma came soon",...
