BTS’ V and Jungkook’s settlement talks with YouTuber Sojang fail, defamation trial to proceed

BTS’ V and Jungkook’s settlement talks with YouTuber Sojang fail, defamation trial to proceed

The ongoing legal battle between BTS members V (Kim Tae-hyung) and Jungkook against YouTuber Sojang has reached a critical juncture as recent settlement efforts have collapsed. A court-mediated discussion aimed at resolving the dispute amicably failed to produce an agreement, meaning the legal proceedings will now move forward in court.

According to a report by Korean media outlet Star Today on July 21, the mediation session took place at 9:40 am KST at the Seoul Western District Court. This session was convened following a directive from the second-level court on June 16, in hopes of avoiding a lengthy trial. However, the court officially declared the mediation attempt unsuccessful, signaling the resumption of the original trial process.

The legal dispute dates back to January 2025, when V and Jungkook filed a lawsuit against Sojang for defamation and unauthorized use of content. In February 2025, the Seoul Western District Court ruled in favor of the BTS members, ordering Sojang to pay 76 million KRW (approximately $53,000) in damages. The court reduced the initial compensation request of 90 million KRW, citing Sojang's status as a first-time offender and her apparent remorse.

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Sojang, who runs the controversial YouTube channel Taldeok Camp, has become infamous for spreading unverified and often malicious claims about K-pop idols. In the case of BTS’ V and Jungkook, she was found to have uploaded 23 defamatory videos between October 2021 and June 2023. She has previously lost similar defamation cases filed by other K-pop stars, including IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and former Wanna One member Kang Daniel.

With the mediation process now deemed unsuccessful, the court proceedings will continue as planned. Fans of BTS have rallied behind V and Jungkook, applauding their unrelenting stance against baseless rumors and harmful online content. Many see this as a significant moment in the ongoing fight against cyberbullying and defamation in the entertainment industry.

As the trial resumes, all eyes will be on how the court further handles the case, which continues to draw attention across South Korea and among the global BTS ARMY.