Kang Daniel Wins First Trial For Criminal Suit Against Malicious YouTuber + To Also File Civil Complaint

Sep 11, 2024

Kang Daniel’s agency has announced plans to file a civil complaint after winning the first criminal lawsuit against the YouTuber “Sojang.”

On September 11, Kang Daniel’s agency ARA released an official statement announcing that they won the first trial against the cyber wrecker YouTuber “Sojang.” The agency stated, “Regardless of whether the shameless defendant decides to appeal [in the criminal lawsuit], we will proceed with a civil lawsuit seeking 100 million won (approximately $74,644), separate from the criminal proceedings.”

Read the agency’s full statement below:

"Hello, this is ARA.

We would like to update you on the legal proceedings concerning our artist.

In July 2022, Kang Daniel and the law firm Ryu filed a criminal complaint against “Sojang” for spreading baseless false information and malicious rumors that severely defamed our artist. Today (September 11), we won the first trial.

Although this outcome was expected, the two years leading up to the first trial’s verdict have been an indescribable ordeal for both the artist and his fans.

Initially, we filed a complaint with the Seocho Police Station, but the investigation was halted as the identity of the perpetrator was not confirmed. After the identity was established, we requested the investigation to be resumed in July 2023. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office then filed a summary indictment with a fine of 3 million won (approximately $2,239). However, we strongly requested a formal trial, bringing “Sojang” to court and ultimately revealing her identity. The court took this matter very seriously, sentencing a fine of 10 million won (approximately $7,464), which is more than three times the prosecution’s recommendation.

Regardless of whether the shameless defendant appeals, we will file a civil lawsuit for 100 million won, separate from the criminal proceedings. This is the minimum defense to prevent further innocent victims and to ensure such incidents do not recur. We believe that malicious defamation and profit-making through such actions should be met with strong civil and criminal accountability as they leave lasting wounds that are not easily healed even after all judicial procedures are completed.

We will continue to do our utmost to protect the rights of our artist and fans. We plan to take all possible legal actions without settlement in similar cases.

Thank you."

source: Soompi