Ive's Jang Wonyoung Wins Appeal Against YouTube Channel Operator

Jang Wonyoung of the girl group Ive has emerged victorious in her appeal against A, the operator of the YouTube channel 탈덕수용소 (Daldak Su-yong-so), in a defamation lawsuit. On January 22, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Appeal Division 9-3 ruled that A must pay Wonyoung 50 million won in damages. This amount is a reduction from the 100 million won ordered in the first trial.

Last July, Wonyoung and her agency, Starship Entertainment, declared war on online trolls and cyber bullies, initiating both civil and criminal lawsuits against A. The criminal case has been forwarded from the police to the prosecution, while Wonyoung's initial lawsuit resulted in a favorable ruling.

However, A has filed an appeal against the first trial's decision and requested a stay on the enforcement of the ruling. Although the case was referred for mediation during the appeal process, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.