Actor Jo Byung-gyu, who rose to fame through Sky Castle and The Uncanny Counter, has lost his ₩4 billion (approx. $2.9 million USD) lawsuit against an individual who accused him of school violence during his studies in New Zealand.
According to the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 37, Jo Byung-gyu and his former agency HB Entertainment sued the accuser (known as “A”) for ₩4.64 billion in damages, alleging that the 2021 online post defamed him and caused severe financial loss.
However, the court dismissed all claims, stating that “it is difficult to conclude the post was false based on the evidence provided.”
Background of the Allegations
The controversy began in February 2021, when a user identifying as A posted on social media, claiming to have suffered bullying and assault by Jo Byung-gyu during their time at a New Zealand school.
A alleged that Jo Byung-gyu:
- Forced him to buy snacks and pay karaoke fees
- Repeatedly hit him with an umbrella and microphone
- Destroyed a dialysis machine model A made with his mother
- Fired rubber bands at him and verbally abused him
A also shared photos and school verification documents as proof. Jo Byung-gyu’s then-agency HB Entertainment denied all accusations, calling them “completely baseless” and vowed legal action. A later deleted the post, citing fear of criminal prosecution.
Legal Proceedings
Jo Byung-gyu first filed a criminal defamation complaint, but police decided not to forward the case to prosecutors, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove the accusations were false.
He then pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking ₩4 billion in lost earnings from canceled drama, film, and commercial contracts, plus ₩200 million in emotional damages.
Because A currently resides in New Zealand and did not respond to the lawsuit, the trial proceeded via public notice service. Despite the absence of a defense, the court still ruled against Jo Byung-gyu.
“Even based solely on the evidence submitted by the plaintiff, it cannot be concluded that A’s post contained false information,” the ruling stated.
Court’s Reasoning
The court noted: Jo Byung-gyu’s acquaintances submitted over 20 written statements denying the bullying, but the judge dismissed them, stating most were “close acquaintances from Korea” and not reliable for events that allegedly occurred overseas.
A’s deletion of the post did not imply admission of falsehood.
“It is possible A deleted the post out of fear of legal retaliation, especially given that even factual statements can be subject to defamation laws in Korea,” the court explained.
Ultimately, the judge concluded: “Even considering the difficulty of proving the nonexistence of an event, the plaintiff’s evidence is insufficient to demonstrate the allegations were fabricated.”
The verdict is not final. Jo Byung-gyu’s legal team has appealed the decision, claiming a “misinterpretation of legal principles.” The appeal will be heard at the Seoul High Court.
Just five days after the ruling, HB Entertainment announced the termination of its exclusive contract with Jo Byung-gyu.
Jo Byung-gyu debuted in 2015 and rose to stardom with Sky Castle. Despite his success in The Uncanny Counter, the 2021 allegations significantly impacted his career. He is currently preparing for his big-screen return in the upcoming film Finding Hidden Money later this year.
Sources: Herald Economy,Daum
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