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The ongoing legal proceedings against the YouTube channel operator of Taldeok Camp, popularly known as Sojang, has caught significant media attention. The channel came under legal fire when Jang Won Young and her agency, Starship Entertainment, initiated civil and criminal actions against the content creator, identified as ‘A,’ starting from November 2022.
The controversy surrounds ‘A’s’ alleged defamation of seven celebrities, which they executed by releasing 23 videos that they claimed to be ‘exposés’ on the channel from October 2021 to June 2023. Additionally, ‘A’ uploaded 19 videos that were critical of the physical appearance of five individuals. Notable allegations that stirred the controversy included claims that “Various celebrities engaged in prostitution or had plastic surgery”, “RM of BTS is married”, “Nam Joo Hyuk’s behavior is rude”, and “Jang Won Young of IVE is pregnant after dating an older artist, at the age of 19”.
Trial Initiated as Jang Won Young Sues Taldeok Camp for Repeated False Reporting
Scrutiny of the Taldeok Camp YouTube channel uncovered earnings of approximately 250 million won (around 181,000 USD) within two years starting June 2021, as reported by Star News Korea. Sojang’s YouTube platform listed around 60,000 subscribers and it reportedly attracted monthly ad revenue amounting to over 10 million won (over 7,000 USD).
‘A’ allegedly utilized a part of the channel’s income to invest in real estate. Upon receiving complaints from three victims, including Jang Won Young, in December 2023, the prosecution initiated an investigation. By May 2024, five further complaints were reported, prompting the prosecutor’s office to request the arrest of ‘A’ twice, in February and April, both times denied due to “the absence of flight risk”.
During interrogations, ‘A’ argued: “The YouTube videos are just an expression of personal opinions. They were created in the interest of public concern, which justifies their existence.”
A contrary statement by a prosecution official highlighted: “‘A’ anonymously ran the YouTube channel and attempted to obliterate evidence by erasing the channel. Searches at ‘A’s’ residence disclosed more incendiary videos targeting other celebrities and the laptop used for video production.”
Like the anonymous entity “Unknown_01”, Taldeok Camp similarly shrouds in mystery, only using celebrity images without revealing the face of the actual creator. Even when they appeared for the initial trial for defaming singer Kang Daniel at the end of May, ‘A’ remained disguised and wore a wig to protect their identity.
Understanding the Consequences of Exposing Celebrities
Distinct from Taldeok Camp, the Garo Sero Institute channel’s operators are upfront about their identity. Garo Sero Institute’s trio—Kim Yong Ho, Kim Se Eui, and Kang Yong Seok—are known for their bold commentary, addressing controversial political and entertainment angles in Korea. The channel has previously broached topics like Jun Ji Hyun’s divorce, Han Ye Seul’s past employment in the adult entertainment sector, substance abuse allegations, scandalous claims about her husband, and reports of Choi Ji Woo’s spouse committing adultery.
Beyond ad revenue, Garo Sero Institute garners notable income through viewer donations. Joongang documented an instance where Kang Yong Seok amassed 19.7 million won from fan contributions during a single live-stream fundraiser.
Legal Backlashes Encountering Garo Sero Institute
In late 2021, police squadrons enveloping the Garo Sero Institute headquarters in Gangnam materialized, simultaneously executing arrest warrants at the personal abodes of Kim Se Eui and Kang Yong Seok. As reported by Hankook Ilbo, by mid-2022, the triumvirate faced prosecutions with at least ten lawsuits in tow, including actions from celebrities Jun Ji Hyun and Han Ye Seul.
Reviewing the Case Against Sojang
Sojang, faced with eight complaints from individuals including Jang Won Young and Kang Daniel, came under scrutiny as Star News Korea reported Jang Won Young’s lawsuit against the channel for demanding 100 million won in damages. A judgment in January ruled in favor of Jang Won Young, obligating ‘A’ to compensate with 100 million won and incur court expenses.
Nevertheless, ‘A’ appealed against the ruling through their legal representative, seeking to defer the ruling’s enforcement. ‘A’ further ensured to dodge liabilities for compensatory payments.
The appeal led to a suggestion for mediation between the parties; however, it fell through because Jang Won Young and Starship Entertainment were resolute on their stance of immovability. They aimed for a firm legal conviction for Taldeok Camp with no intention to negotiate, as conveyed by Starship Entertainment to Star News Korea.
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