Jo Byeong Gyu has lost a multi-billion-won damages suit he filed against the person who accused him of school bullying.
According to an exclusive report by Herald Economy on November 1st, the Seoul Central District Court ruled against Jo and his former agency HB Entertainment in their 4 billion KRW (approx. 2.9 million USD) damages claim against an individual identified as A. The court stated that based on the evidence presented, it could not conclude that the accuser’s online post was false. Jo’s side has also been ordered to bear the legal costs.
During the trial, Jo’s legal team argued that the alleged false accusations had led to severe financial and career losses—including the cancellation of ad deals, drama and film roles, and variety show appearances—amounting to roughly 4 billion KRW, while seeking an additional 200 million KRW (approx. 145,000 USD) in emotional damages.
However, the court determined that the submitted evidence was insufficient to prove the accuser had spread false information, noting that “the conversations exchanged over six months between A and Jo’s acquaintances contained no admission that the claims were fabricated.” The court also rejected Jo’s argument that A’s decision to delete the post was an acknowledgment of guilt, ruling instead that “A likely removed the post out of fear of being sued or facing a large-scale damages claim.”
Statements from more than 20 acquaintances of Jo denying any bullying behavior were also deemed inadmissible as evidence. Jo’s side has appealed the decision, and the second trial will be held at the Seoul High Court.
Jo Byeong Gyu rose to fame through hit dramas such as SKY Castle, Hot Stove League, and The Uncanny Counter, but his career was disrupted in 2021 after school bullying allegations surfaced online. The actor is slated to return to the screen later this year with the film Finding the Hidden Money (literal title).
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