HYBE Identifies Malicious YouTube Channel and Resumes Lawsuit for 280 Million Won in Damages

HYBE has successfully identified a YouTube channel that maliciously defamed its artists and is moving forward with its 280 million won ($195,500 USD) lawsuit. The company was able to secure the identity of the defendant through the discovery system in a U.S. court. However, it appears that only one of multiple defendants has been successfully identified so far.

Lawsuit Details

According to the Seoul Western District Court, on February 20, HYBE submitted a request for correction of the party indication and officially identified Defendant 1. Previously, on August 30, 2023, HYBE, Belift Lab, and Source Music filed a civil lawsuit (case number: 2024gadan281283) seeking 280 million won in damages. The lawsuit was filed because seven YouTube channels were accused of defaming artists under HYBE's labels.

The YouTube channels involved in the lawsuit are:

• Cute Rabbit Jjang

• EnterPick

• People Box

• Da Issue

• NewJeansFam

• Issue Tan

• Wangjam Issue

These channels spread false information about HYBE artists, including:

• ILLIT (under Belift Lab) – accused of plagiarizing other artists' content.

• LE SSERAFIM (under Source Music) – falsely claimed to lack skill and talent.

Legal Action in the U.S.

On September 9, 2023, HYBE, Belift Lab, and Source Music filed a Section 1782 request in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking permission to have Google LLC provide discovery for use in foreign legal proceedings.

On November 27, 2023, Judge Donna M. Ryu approved the request and issued a subpoena to Google.

Based on this, HYBE submitted its findings to the Seoul Western District Court on December 10, 2023. By February 20, 2024, HYBE officially identified Defendant 1.

Defendant Identified as a Corporation

The identified Defendant 1 is listed as ‘주OOOOOOOO’ (starting with "corporation"), indicating that it is a corporate entity rather than an individual. The company is believed to be a corporate cyber-replicant, meaning it collects and amplifies negative issues for financial gain through monetized YouTube content.

HYBE's Response

Regarding the ongoing lawsuit, HYBE responded cautiously, stating:

"It is difficult to comment on an ongoing case."

source: https://www.seoulwire.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=639837