For many fans, the YouTube channel Sojang was once a notorious name, known for its numerous videos “exposing” famous idols — often spreading so-called “ѕнσ¢кing revelations” despite providing no actual evidence. The channel frequently went viral with videos targeting top idols, covering topics such as plastic surgery, dating, and school νισℓєи¢є.

From 2021 until its deletion in June 2023, the YouTube channel Sojang, run by Park Joo Ah, amαѕѕed around 60,000 subscribers. It reportedly earned her about 10 million KRW per month, totaling around 250 million KRW (approx. 185,000 USD) over two years — income she allegedly used to purchase multiple real estate properties.

However, these malicious rumors spread rapidly, causing severe harm to the public image of many idols, including top stars such as BTS’s V and Jungkook, IVE’s Jang Won Young, Kang Daniel, EXO’s Suho, aespa, and others.

Beginning in 2024, Park Joo Ah (around 40 years old) — the operator of Sojang — was summoned to face legal consequences for spreading false and baseless information about celebrities, following multiple lawsuits filed by the victims. In March 2024, BigHit Music, V, and Jungkook filed a claim seeking approximately 67,000 USD (90 million KRW) in damages against Park Joo Ah and requested that prosecutors pursue criminal investigation. They also filed a separate civil lawsuit for defamation and related legal violations.

In February 2025 (KST), the Seoul Western District Court (Civil Division 12, single judge) ordered Park Joo Ah to pay: about 38,000 USD (51 million KRW) to BigHit Music, about 7,400 USD (10 million KRW) to V, and about 11,000 USD (15 million KRW) to Jungkook, along with statutory interest for delayed payment and legal costs — totaling roughly 56,400 USD.

However, Park Joo Ah appealed the first-instance ruling and repeatedly refused to pay the compensation. The appellate panel referred the case to mediation twice — first on June 16, 2025, and again on July 21, 2025 — but both attempts failed.

Despite Sojang’s refusal to compensate for the harm caused, BigHit Music, V, and Jungkook remain firm in pursuing the case to the end. According to the latest court notice, the appeal hearing is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2025.

Before the hearing, BigHit Music’s legal representative reaffirmed the company’s and the 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.”

Meanwhile, the attorney representing ‘Taldeok Camp’ — referring to Park Joo Ah and the infamous Sojang channel — maintained their opposition, claiming: “The plaintiffs’ claim for damages is fundamentally untenable, and even if liability were exceptionally recognized, the amounts sought are excessively high.” They added: “Plaintiffs imply the parent HYBE’s stock drop stemmed from the defendant’s videos; causation and other elements are extremely hard to establish.”

Regarding copyright infringement, the defense stated: “After the plaintiffs amended their claim, it is difficult in law to view this as copyright infringement. Even if infringement were found, the damages demanded are disproportionately excessive.”

It is noteworthy that, despite initially refusing to pay compensation, Sojang previously ℓσѕт multiple lawsuits against Jang Won Young and Kang Daniel, ultimately paying a heavy price. Fans believe that V and Jungkook will likewise prevail — as all of Park Joo Ah’s malicious actions are finally catching up to her. There is no forgiveness for those who spread false, defamatory, and profit-driven rumors online.

The firm stance of BigHit Music and the two BTS members has earned widespread support from fans, who believe that such zero-tolerance actions from K-pop superstars will serve as a powerful warning to those attempting to destroy the reputations of public figures.