“Defaming Jang Wonyoung” Sojang’s Lawyer “Prosecution Suspected of Media Manipulation, What is Their Intention?”
The lawyer for "Sojang", a cyber wrecker channel that continuously spread fake news targeting IVE's Jang Wonyoung, claimed that the prosecution is engaging in media manipulation
On the morning of June 19th, the Seoul Central District Court held the third hearing for the damages claim lawsuit filed by Starship Entertainment against A, the operator of “Sojang”.
Jang Wonyoung and Starship have been pursuing civil and criminal lawsuits against A, both domestically and internationally, since November 2022. A is accused of defamation for posting 23 videos that defamed 7 celebrities and influencers, including Jang Wonyoung, on their channel from October 2021 to June 2023.
At the hearing, only the legal representatives of both sides were present. A’s lawyer provided an update on the criminal case against A, “The case has been indicted, but no date has been set for the trial.“
The lawyer explained, “It is unusual for the prosecution to publicize this case to the extent that it feels like disclosing details of the investigation. Initially, the Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office wanted to arrest A and requested a warrant, which was denied. They then combined other cases to reapply for the warrant, but that was also denied.“
The lawyer added, “Eventually, A was indicted without detention. It feels like media manipulation, though we are unsure of the intention.”
In response, Starship countered, “Starship Entertainment did not submit this separately. The materials distributed by the prosecution can be submitted as evidence.” The court remarked, “It is a matter of credibility and the key is how to figure it out.“
Meanwhile, the first appellate hearing for Jang Wonyoung’s damages claim lawsuit against A is scheduled for September 4th.
