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BTS members V and Jungkook’s ongoing legal battle against YouTuber Sojang continues to unfold without a resolution in sight. The defamation lawsuit, which first came to light earlier this year, recently reached a pivotal moment with an attempt at court-mediated settlement. On July 21, both parties appeared at the Seoul Western District Court in hopes of resolving the matter through discussion. The mediation session began at 9:40 AM KST and was designed to offer both the prosecution and the defendant an opportunity to engage in dialogue with court guidance to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. However, the meeting ended without consensus, prompting the court to formally declare that the mediation had failed. As a result, the original trial procedure will proceed as initially planned, making it clear that the case is far from being resolved.
This development marks a significant, albeit frustrating, turn in a lawsuit that has already garnered extensive public attention. The conflict stems from multiple defamatory claims made by Sojang, the operator behind the controversial YouTube channel Taldeok Camp. From October 2021 to June 2023, Sojang reportedly published 23 videos targeting V and Jungkook with false narratives and damaging allegations. These actions prompted the BTS members to file a defamation suit in January 2025, seeking damages of 90 million KRW. By February, the Seoul Western District Court had ruled in their favor, confirming that the videos contained fabricated content and unauthorized use of media. Sojang was ordered to pay 76 million KRW—slightly reduced from the original claim due to the court’s consideration of her being a first-time offender who showed signs of remorse.
Despite the ruling, Sojang’s attempts to appeal and counteract the judgment have kept the legal proceedings active. The court’s decision in June to shift from a full hearing to mediation was seen as a possible pathway to a more amicable resolution. However, with the failed settlement, both parties must now prepare for further litigation and continued courtroom scrutiny.
Sojang is no stranger to controversy. In addition to the lawsuit from V and Jungkook, she has also lost similar defamation cases filed by other prominent idols, including IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and Kang Daniel, formerly of Wanna One. These repeated instances of legal trouble paint a pattern of malicious online behavior, which the courts are increasingly unwilling to overlook.
The BTS fandom and the broader K-pop community have closely followed the developments, with many expressing frustration at the prolonged process but also appreciation for V and Jungkook’s commitment to defending their reputations. The case continues to spotlight the importance of accountability in the digital age, particularly regarding the spread of harmful content targeting public figures. For now, the legal journey presses on, with the hope that justice will be fully served in the upcoming trial proceedings.