[Exclusive]"Evidence Not Admitted NO" School Violence Controversy: First Trial Loss.. Jo Byung-gyu to Return to Court in August [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jo Byung-gyu will return to court this August for a damages lawsuit related to allegations of school violence.

According to StarNews, the Seoul High Court's 13th Civil Division (B) will hold the first argument session for the appeal trial of Jo Byung-gyu's damages lawsuit against Person A, who raised the school violence allegations, on August 28. Unlike the first trial, Jo Byung-gyu's former agency, HB Entertainment, was omitted from the list of appellants, and the plaintiff's claim was reduced from approximately 4 billion won to about 900 million won.

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 37, which handled the first trial, ruled in September 2025 that the plaintiff lost in the 4 billion won damages lawsuit between Jo Byung-gyu, HB Entertainment, and Person A, deciding to "dismiss all of Jo Byung-gyu's claims and order the plaintiff to bear the litigation costs."

At that time, Jo Byung-gyu's side claimed, "Person A posted false articles, damaging our reputation. As a result, we suffered damages worth 4 billion won due to the termination of advertising model contracts and the cancellation of appearances in dramas, movies, and variety shows," and demanded compensation including 200 million won in solatium.

However, the court ruled that "it is difficult to conclude that the posts were false based solely on the evidence submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side," and regarding Person A's deletion of the exposé posts, stated, "It appears to be due to fear of criminal complaints and massive damages lawsuits, not an admission of falsity." Additionally, the 20th-plus witness statements submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side were not admitted as evidence. The court explained, "All of them are Jo Byung-gyu's acquaintances in Korea. It is difficult to verify the facts of the incident that occurred in New Zealand," and noted that the statements did not prove false facts. Furthermore, although some acquaintances had studied abroad with Jo Byung-gyu in New Zealand, the court rejected them, stating, "These are individuals recognized as having a significant personal relationship with Jo Byung-gyu."

Jo Byung-gyu halted his activities after school violence allegations were raised and made a comeback after three years with the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama "Wonderful World 2: Counter Punch" (hereinafter "Wonderful World 2"). Person A claimed that in 2021, while attending school with Jo Byung-gyu in New Zealand, he was subjected to habitual assault and extortion of money and goods, while Jo Byung-gyu's side repeatedly maintained his innocence.

At that time, Person A stated, "A single verification by the media can resolve everything the agency desired. We are waiting for the agency's sincere response regarding truth clarification, relief from injustice, restoration of reputation, compensation for damages, time savings, and cost savings," and added, "We are preparing calmly. We will never hide or evade. If you are not confident, do not provoke us." Later, Person A proposed, "I am willing to bet 10 billion won for a public verification on site," but Jo Byung-gyu's side had previously stated, "It will be revealed if we undergo an institutional investor investigation."

Subsequently, at the online production presentation for "Wonderful World 2," Jo Byung-gyu addressed the school violence controversy, stating, "While I am cautious, I have done my utmost to prove that it is not true. I am still doing my best. Since there are people in another country, it takes time to reach a conclusion, and we are approaching the broadcast before a clear conclusion is drawn. As an actor appearing in the drama, I feel a heavy responsibility."

He continued, "Today is not my personal occasion, and I am well aware that this drama required the blood, sweat, and immense effort of many staff members, directors, and actors. Therefore, I hope you will show much love and interest in 'Wonderful World 2.' Given this sense of responsibility, we filmed with even more determination than in Season 1. I hope you will pay much attention to 'Wonderful World 2' for today only."

Meanwhile, it is reported that the case in which Jo Byung-gyu filed a criminal complaint against Person A for defamation also received a decision not to prosecute.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.