After forcing illegal construction, aggrieved neighbors file baseless lawsuits.. Lee Ji-sung and Cha Yu-ram couple lose both trials in '1 billion won lawsuit' [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Bestselling author Lee Ji-sung (52) and billiards player Cha Yu-ram (39), a married couple, lost the second trial of their 1 billion won lawsuit filed against neighboring residents. The couple had previously engaged in illegal interior renovation work at a Gangnam apartment, leading to conflicts with neighbors during the process.

According to Herald Economy on the 17th, on the 6th, the Seoul High Court Civil Division 8-3 (presided by Judge Im Jong-hyo) ruled against author Lee Ji-sung in the second trial of his lawsuit, in which he claimed 1 billion won from neighbor A, alleging that "they exploited his status as a public figure to blackmail him." The court upheld the first-instance verdict and ordered the author to bear all litigation costs.

The media also reported that "as a result of this ruling, the provisional seizure on victim A's residence was lifted after approximately four years."

Earlier, in January 2022, it was revealed that Lee Ji-sung and Cha Yu-ram had proceeded with illegal interior renovation work after purchasing an apartment in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, sparking controversy. Although they were required to obtain approval from the district office, they pushed ahead with construction without following proper procedures.

Neighbors suffered from severe floor noise. At the time, noise levels measured in the unit below reached 92 decibels, reportedly exceeding the general Gong (President) limit by over 100 times. Some units also suffered damage such as water leaks and cracks. Subsequently, the district office issued an enforcement order requiring the author to restore the property to its original condition due to illegal interior renovation work.

The couple only followed proper architectural permit procedures after the district office filed a criminal complaint against the construction company for violating the Building Management Act. Construction then proceeded from April to September 2022.

In response, neighbors demanded compensation for damages. However, the author instead filed a civil lawsuit and criminally reported A.

At that time, the author's side claimed that "neighbors exploited his status as a public figure along with Cha Yu-ram to blackmail him" and argued that "they reported false information to the media, damaging his reputation." They filed criminal charges against A for attempted extortion and defamation, while also claiming 1 billion won in damages.

In response, 23 neighbors including A jointly countersued the author for fraud, obstruction of business, defamation, and other offenses.

Lee Ji-sung and Cha Yu-ram married in 2015 and have two children.

Author Lee Ji-sung also faced widespread criticism in 2022 for making remarks commenting on the appearance of female politicians at a People Power Party training session. Additionally, in 2024, he became embroiled in controversy over statements supporting martial law.

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

*This content was translated by AI.