"False allegations of school violence" — First instance lost.. Jo Byung-gyu to present first appeal argument today (28th)

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The appeal trial regarding the damages lawsuit over allegations of school violence against actor Jo Byung-gyu will resume.

Seoul High Court's 13-3 Civil Division (B) will hold the first argument session for the appeal in the damages lawsuit filed by Jo Byung-gyu against Person A, who raised allegations of his school violence, on the 28th.

Unlike the first instance, former agency HB Entertainment of Jo Byung-gyu is no longer listed among appellants, and the plaintiff's claim has been reduced to approximately 900 million won. Additionally, today's trial will be conducted via video conference.

Previously, Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 37, which handled the first instance, ruled in favor of the defendant in September 2025 in a damages lawsuit worth over 4 billion won between Jo Byung-gyu, HB Entertainment, and Person A, stating that "all claims by Jo Byung-gyu's side are dismissed, and the plaintiff shall bear all litigation costs."

At that time, Jo Byung-gyu's side claimed that "Person A posted false articles damaging his reputation, resulting in losses equivalent to 4 billion won due to termination of advertising model contracts and cancellations of appearances in dramas, films, and variety shows," and demanded compensation including 200 million won for mental distress.

In response, the court stated that "it is difficult to conclude definitively that the posts were false based solely on evidence submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side." Regarding Person A's deletion of the exposure post after posting it, the court remarked, "It appears not to be an admission of falsity but rather due to fear of criminal complaints and a massive damages lawsuit."

During the trial, approximately 20 witness statements submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side were not accepted as evidence. The court stated, "All these individuals are domestic acquaintances of Jo Byung-gyu. It is difficult to verify the factual circumstances of the incident that occurred in New Zealand," and concluded that the statements did not prove false facts.

Among the acquaintances were some who had studied abroad with Jo Byung-gyu in New Zealand, but the court rejected them, stating, "These are individuals recognized as having a significant personal relationship with Jo Byung-gyu."

In response, Jo Byung-gyu's side appealed against the first-instance ruling.

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.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original