BTS members V and Jungkook have secured their win on the ongoing defamation case against a YouTube channel spreading false information about them.
On January 23, the Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Appeals Division ordered the operator of the YouTube channel Taldeok Sooyongso to pay a total of 86 million won (around ₱3.4 million) in damages for videos that were found to be defamatory toward the two artists.
The appellate court partially overturned an earlier ruling and adjusted the amount to better reflect the damage caused to the reputations of V and Jungkook. In its decision, the court identified the channel operator only as “A.”
The Taldeok Sooyongso YouTube channel had previously drawn attention for producing and uploading videos based on malicious rumors involving idols and other celebrities, prompting legal action that many viewed as a significant step in holding anonymous online platforms financially accountable.
In 2024, V and Jungkook, together with BigHit Music, filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately 90 million won (around ₱3.6 million), citing the harm caused by the false claims circulated through the channel.
READ: BTS reveals ARIRANG album cover with hidden voice messages from the members
In the initial ruling issued in February last year, the court ordered A to pay 51 million won (around ₱2 million) to BTS’ agency BigHit Music, along with 10 million won (around ₱400 thousand) to V and 15 million won (around ₱600 thousand) to Jungkook. The defendant was also required to pay interest and cover litigation costs. Both sides appealed the decision, which led to the revised ruling this year.
The operator’s legal troubles also extended beyond the BTS case. In November 2025, A was sentenced by the Incheon District Court to two years in prison and suspended for three years, for spreading false and damaging information about IVE member Jang Won-young. The court also imposed a fine of 210 million won (around ₱8.4 million) and ordered 120 hours of community service under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act.
READ: BTS to bring World Tour to the Philippines in March 2027
The YouTube channel has since been deleted, but it has continued to be cited in discussions surrounding online harassment and the responsibility of content creators who spread unverified or harmful information.
Amid the legal developments, BTS is preparing for new milestones. BigHit Music recently unveiled the cover of the group’s fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, through its official website on January 19. The album, featuring a textured grayscale design with the title written in bold uppercase letters, is set for release on March 20 across all streaming platforms, with physical copies available at select retailers.
The group has also confirmed plans to return to the Philippines as part of their world tour, with concerts scheduled on March 13 and 14, 2027.