The operator (A) of YouTube channel ‘Taldeok Camp’ will face the appeals phase in the damages suit brought by BigHit Music, V (Kim Tae Hyung), and Jung Kook (Jeon Jung Kook) of BTS in November.
In February 2025 KST, the Seoul Western District Court (Civil Division 12, single judge) ordered A to pay approximately about 38,000 USD to BigHit Music (KRW 51 million), about 7,400 USD to V (Kim Tae Hyung) (KRW 10 million), and about 11,000 USD to Jung Kook (Jeon Jung Kook) (KRW 15 million), plus statutory delay interest and litigation costs. A appealed the first-instance ruling.
The appellate panel referred the case to mediation on Jun. 16, 2025 KST; a session was held on Jul. 21, 2025 KST, but mediation failed. The court plans to open the first appeals hearing on Nov. 14, 2025 KST.
‘Taldeok Camp’ produced videos built on malicious idol rumors and, from 2021 until recently, uploaded multiple clips defaming well-known entertainers and influencers. The channel has since been removed.
BigHit Music, V (Kim Tae Hyung), and Jung Kook (Jeon Jung Kook) filed a damages claim of about 67,000 USD (KRW 90 million) against A in March 2024 KST, stating they had secured the operator’s identity and asked investigators to resume a criminal probe. They also said they had filed an additional civil suit over defamation and related unlawful acts.
At a hearing, counsel for BigHit Music argued: “Court findings and the prosecution’s announcements confirm the channel run by the defendant operated as a so-called cyber ‘wrecking’ outlet amounting to insult and defamation. These videos alleged false facts and were produced to profit by disparaging the plaintiffs. The defendant’s conduct infringed portrait and personality rights and obstructed BigHit Music’s business.”
Counsel for ‘Taldeok Camp’ countered: “The plaintiffs’ claim for damages is fundamentally untenable, and even if liability were exceptionally recognized, the amounts sought are excessively high.” They added: “Plaintiffs imply the parent HYBE’s stock drop stemmed from the defendant’s videos; causation and other elements are extremely hard to establish.” On copyright, they said: “After the plaintiffs amended their claim, it is difficult in law to view this as copyright infringement. Even if infringement were found, the damages demanded are disproportionately excessive.”
