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

*This content was translated by AI.

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

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

Unlike the first instance, former agency HB Entertainment 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 September 2025 that Jo Byung-gyu and HB Entertainment lost their 4 billion won damages lawsuit against Person A, stating: "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 argued: "Person A posted false content damaging our reputation. As a result, we suffered losses equivalent to 4 billion won due to termination of advertising model contracts and cancellations of appearances in dramas, films, and variety shows," demanding compensation including 200 million won for mental distress.

In response, the court stated: "Based solely on the evidence submitted by Jo Byung-gyu's side, it is difficult to conclude that the posts were false." Regarding Person A's deletion of the exposure post, 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 Jo Byung-gyu's acquaintances in Korea. It is difficult to verify the facts of an incident that occurred in New Zealand," and concluded that the statements did not prove false claims.

Among the acquaintances, some 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 filed an appeal against the first instance ruling.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Jo Byung-gyu's criminal complaint against Person A for defamation also resulted in a decision not to prosecute.

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*This content was translated by AI.