BTS Members V and Jungkook Triumph in Defamation Case Against YouTube Channel
BTS members V and Jungkook have emerged victorious in a defamation case against a YouTube channel that spread false information about them. The Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Appeals Division has ordered the operator of the YouTube channel Taldeok Sooyongso to pay a total of 86 million won in damages for videos that were deemed defamatory towards the two artists. The court identified the channel operator as "A" and adjusted the amount to reflect the damage caused to the reputations of V and Jungkook.
In 2024, V and Jungkook, along with BigHit Music, filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 90 million won, citing the harm caused by false claims circulated through the channel. The initial ruling in February last year ordered A to pay 51 million won to BigHit Music, 10 million won to V, and 15 million won to Jungkook. Both sides appealed the decision, leading to the revised ruling this year.
The operator of the YouTube channel faced legal troubles beyond the BTS case. In November 2025, A was sentenced to two years in prison and suspended for three years for spreading false and damaging information about IVE member Jang Won-young. The court also imposed a fine of 210 million won and ordered 120 hours of community service under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act.
The YouTube channel has been deleted, but discussions surrounding online harassment and the responsibility of content creators who spread unverified or harmful information continue. Meanwhile, BTS is gearing up for new milestones, with their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, set for release on March 20. The group has also confirmed plans to return to the Philippines for concerts on March 13 and 14, 2027.
In conclusion, BTS members V and Jungkook have successfully won their defamation case against a YouTube channel spreading false information about them. The court's decision to order the operator to pay damages reflects the importance of holding online platforms accountable for their content. As BTS prepares for new music releases and upcoming concerts, the legal victory serves as a reminder of the consequences of spreading harmful information online.