[Official] SM: aespa, EXO defamation channel 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' ordered to pay 170 million won in damages

*This content was translated by AI.

YouTube channel 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' has lost another lawsuit.

On the 29th, SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM) announced that the operator of the 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' channel, which produced and posted videos containing false information intended to defame aespa, EXO, Red Velvet, and others, was ordered to pay a total of 170 million won in damages.

On the 22nd, the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul District Court ruled that the operator of the 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' channel infringed upon the personality rights of aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet by producing and posting videos containing personal attacks, ordering compensation of a total of 130 million won to each plaintiff.

Furthermore, regarding SM, the court stated, "The videos produced and posted by the defendant directly influenced public perception of the plaintiff singers, leading to a decline in their image and brand value. Since the image and public reputation of the plaintiff singers constitute core assets of the plaintiff company, the defendant's actions are deemed to have caused substantial hindrance to the plaintiff company's business operations and work performance," ordering an additional 40 million won in damages. Consequently, a total damages award of 170 million won was issued.

Previously, in April 2024, SM filed a criminal complaint against the channel operator for defamation and insult under the Information and Communication Network Act regarding aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet. In response, the operator of the 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' channel was sentenced on January 15, 2025, at the Incheon District Court to two years in prison, suspended for three years, 120 hours of social service, and the recovery of approximately 211.42 million won. Subsequent appeals and petitions for retrial were rejected, and the original verdict was finalized.

The court stated, "The defendant spread false information about the plaintiff singers through the 'Deotdeok Su-yongsoso' channel and produced and posted videos containing personal attacks or contemptuous expressions, thereby publicly insulting the plaintiff singers. This behavior significantly deviated from the scope of mere expression of opinion and constitutes a serious infringement of the plaintiff singers' reputation and personality rights."

SM stated, "Moving forward, SM will continue to take strong legal action against YouTube channels that engage in various illegal acts and crimes, including personal attacks, insulting and contemptuous expressions, and the spread of false information, in order to protect its affiliated artists."

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*This content was translated by AI.