[Exclusive]Park Soo-hong model fee lawsuit, Company A concludes withdrawal of appeal.. Court also recommends settlement

*This content was translated by AI.

Broadcast personality Park Soo-hong's civil lawsuit seeking approximately 500 million won in unpaid advertising model fees has concluded with the withdrawal of his appeal.

According to StarNews, food company A submitted a document withdrawing its appeal on August 21 regarding the contract payment dispute with Park Soo-hong's side. As a result, the lawsuit has been finalized.

Previously, this case was transferred to the second instance after an initial ruling partially favored Park Soo-hong's side and Company A filed an appeal. However, the Suwon High Court's 4th Civil Division (B), which handled the second trial, issued a settlement recommendation following arguments in July, followed by a referral to mediation in August. Although mediation ultimately failed, it is understood that the case concluded with Company A's withdrawal of its appeal.

Park Soo-hong filed the lawsuit in September 2023, claiming he did not receive approximately 496 million won in model fees for an octopus-flavored product from a convenience store chain where he served as an advertising model. Although mediation procedures were initiated after filing the lawsuit, no agreement was reached. In September 2024, the court issued a settlement recommendation, but the judgment announcement was postponed due to an objection filed by the defendant's side.

Subsequently, Seoul Gangnam Police Station received a criminal complaint from Company A's representative, Mr. A, accusing Park Soo-hong of extortion. In response, Park Soo-hong's legal representative, Do Hyun-soo of law firm (Y) Lin, stated, "Park Soo-hong learned through media reports that Company A filed an extortion charge against him." He added, "Since we have not yet received the complaint document and do not know the exact details, we suspect this widespread reporting is a media stunt intended to damage Park Soo-hong's image as a celebrity."

He continued, "Park Soo-hong filed a lawsuit in September 2023 seeking approximately 500 million won after Company A used his face in advertisements for over a year. This case was being heard at Suwon District Court Seongnam Branch."

Furthermore, he explained, "Mr. A also refused to accept the settlement decision ordering partial payment of model fees to Park Soo-hong and has been sued by manufacturers for non-payment. In this situation, Mr. A's sudden raising of this issue after 'two years' is an incomprehensible act, and his intentions are suspicious."

Additionally, Park Soo-hong's side stated, "Most importantly, Mr. A claims he heard threatening words from Park Soo-hong's former legal representative. In other words, since there was no direct contact with Park Soo-hong and the complaint was filed against him as someone not involved in the act, this could constitute a false accusation." They added, "This matter is unrelated to Park Soo-hong. We are considering firm legal action against Mr. A's baseless false claims that damage Park Soo-hong's reputation."

In the subsequent trial, after hearing both parties' positions and examining witnesses, the court explained, "This case was in the contract negotiation phase, and although no formal contract was signed, it is true that advertising activities took place. The issue lies in how to calculate costs, which could not be agreed upon." The court then urged both sides, "Is there any possibility of finding a common ground? Of course, the gap appears large."

When the company's side responded, "Our calculations show a deficit, making payment difficult," the court pointed out, "That falls within the defendant's business operations. Having that as a basis does not necessarily mean costs cannot be paid." The court further explained, "However, I also feel uncertain about whether this constitutes unfairness."

The court stated, "Regardless of the first-instance outcome, anyone can file an appeal, and if the trial drags on, both parties will eventually suffer hardship," and once again requested efforts to find a settlement point.

Subsequently, Suwon District Court Seongnam Branch ruled in the first-instance judgment: "Defendant food company A shall pay plaintiff Park Soo-hong's side a total of approximately 70 million won plus corresponding delay interest. All other claims by the plaintiff are dismissed, and the plaintiff shall bear 84% of the litigation costs." Company A had filed an appeal on February 25, contesting the first-instance result.

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*This content was translated by AI.