The court ordered a total of 170 million won in damages.
SM will continue to take strong legal action to protect its artists.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Jin-seok] SM Entertainment has achieved a significant legal victory against the YouTube channel '탈덕수용소', known for disseminating false information about its artists, including aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet. On April 22, the Seoul Central District Court's 14th Civil Division ordered the channel's operator to pay a total of 130 million won in damages to the artists and an additional 40 million won to SM Entertainment, resulting in a total of 170 million won. The court found that the defamatory content inflicted harm on the reputation and brand value of the artists. SM Entertainment has emphasized that it will continue to adopt a strong legal stance against channels that commit similar infractions in the future.
This ruling underscores the importance of protecting the reputation and personality rights of artists within the K-pop industry. SM Entertainment's focus goes beyond just its artists’ images; it also encompasses their brand value and public perception, which significantly influences fan engagement. The court’s decision reflects an underlying principle of maintaining trust with fans and fulfilling corporate social responsibility.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: SM Entertainment
