The operator behind the controversial YouTube channel “Sojang” is now facing a hefty financial penalty.
According to industry sources on April 29th, the channel’s operator, Park, was indicted for uploading 23 videos between October 2021 and June 2023 targeting seven celebrities and influencers with false and malicious claims. Through memberships and other channel revenue, Park is estimated to have made about 250 million won ($170,000).
The criminal case has already been finalized at the Supreme Court level. On January 29th, the court upheld a sentence of two years in prison, suspended for three years, along with 120 hours of community service and a forfeiture order of about 210 million won.
Civil liability has continued to mount. Jang Wonyoung won a damages suit ordering Park to pay 50 million won. A separate lawsuit filed by her agency, Starship Entertainment, also resulted in a 50 million won ruling at the first trial, followed by court-mediated settlement proceedings on appeal.
In another case brought by BTS members V and Jungkook, along with their agency Big Hit Music, the appellate court ordered Park to pay a total of 86 million won. A separate lawsuit from Kang Daniel resulted in a 30 million won ruling at the first trial, later settled during the appeal.
Additional damages were awarded in a case involving SM Entertainment. On the 22nd, the Seoul Central District Court ordered Park to pay a combined 130 million won to SM artists—including EXO, Red Velvet, and aespa—as well as 40 million won to the company, citing damage to personal rights, public image, and brand value.
Altogether, the criminal forfeiture and civil damages add up to roughly 600 million won—more than double the channel’s total earnings.
Within the entertainment industry, the case is being seen as a clear warning against so-called “cyber wrecker” content. Rather than ending with a simple channel shutdown or apology, agencies and artists are increasingly pursuing both criminal charges and civil lawsuits—holding creators financially accountable for spreading false information.
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