According to Sisa Journal on August 11, Seoul Western District Court Judge Lee Ah-young ordered on June 25 that the defendant, identified only as Mr. Shin, pay 5 million KRW each to Minji, Hanni and Danielle, and 7 million KRW each to Haerin and Hyein. The higher amount for Haerin and Hyein took into account their status as minors at the time. The ruling was finalized on July 22 after the defendant did not appeal.
Between April and May 2024, Mr. Shin operated two YouTube accounts, producing over 20 short-form videos that edited NewJeans’ stage performances and self-produced content in a sexually suggestive manner. He altered lyrics—changing “Cookie” to “thickness” and “greet brightly” to an explicit term—while emphasizing moments such as members holding microphones or eating cucumbers to imply sexual acts. He also left malicious comments, including “I want to make them mothers of many children.”
NewJeans members each filed a 20 million KRW damages claim, totaling 100 million KRW, represented by law firm Yulchon without the participation of their agency ADOR.
Traditionally, “cyber wreckers” on YouTube have evaded legal consequences due to anonymity. This changed when IVE’s Jang Wonyoung and Starship Entertainment sued the YouTuber “Sojang”, successfully obtaining identity information through a California court order to Google. NewJeans followed a similar approach, repeatedly requesting information from Google to identify Mr. Shin.
Judge Lee stated, “It is evident from experience that victims suffer mental distress when their personal rights are violated through sexual expressions. The defendant is liable for damages as the members’ personal rights were infringed.”
Meanwhile, NewJeans remains in a year-long exclusive contract dispute with ADOR. The group declared independence from the agency citing a breakdown of trust, while ADOR filed for confirmation of the contract’s validity and an injunction, which the court granted. A mediation hearing between both parties is scheduled for August 14.
Sources: 다음 – 시사저널
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