“Reasons Behind Jungkook and Taehyung’s Lawsuit Against Sojang Revealed” — Fans Outraged by Sojang Mentions in HYBE’s Internal Documents

On October 28, 2024, the Korean social media platform Instiz buzzed with rumors about HYBE allegedly subscribing to Sojang’s YouTube channel. This speculation arose after a screenshot of an internal document from the National Assembly Audit was shared, reportedly indicating that the company followed the YouTube channel associated with Sojang, known for its coverage on the Taldeok Detention Center.

For those unfamiliar, Sojang is a YouTuber who has made headlines for posting controversial content about various K-pop idols, including BTS’ Taehyung and Jungkook, IVE’s Wonyoung, ATEEZ, aespa, and numerous others. In 2023, Wonyoung took legal action against Sojang, seeking 100 million KRW for defamation and ultimately won the case.

In a separate incident, BIGHIT MUSIC, the label under HYBE that represents BTS, initiated a defamation lawsuit against Sojang in 2022, which was halted by the court. However, BIGHIT MUSIC resumed its pursuit of legal action by filing another civil suit in 2023.

In August 2024, BTS members Taehyung and Jungkook escalated matters by launching their own lawsuits against Sojang, seeking 90 million KRW in damages. An Instiz post included a screenshot from Sojang’s channel where she purportedly mentioned that a “major agency”had subscribed to her membership. In her post, she stated:

“Hello. This is Sojang. It’s an honor that a big agency has signed up for the Sojang membership. This video is a ‘Special Grade’ release and can be accessed via the link below! Additionally, we now offer a ‘Special Grade’ membership for 1:1 conversations with me (Telegram).”

Netizens reacted swiftly, noting that the internal report unveiled during the National Assembly Audit included Sojang’s name and speculated whether the “big agency” referenced could be HYBE.

Users on X shared their thoughts, with one commenting that the situation clarified why Taehyung and Jungkook felt compelled to file lawsuits against her directly:

“Now it makes sense why Jungkook and Taehyung had to sue her themselves…”

Many internet users expressed their concerns on X, criticizing the label for the contents of the report disclosed on October 24, 2024, which reportedly spans 18,000 pages.

“I get why BTS members sued her by themselves as HYBE seemed to be enjoying the drama she created!”wrote an X user.

“So this means a certain company supported Sojang all these years… it explains why other companies didn’t sue her until Wonyoung had to pay her own lawyer to work with a US firm…”another user remarked.

“The way Sojang has made the cruelest remarks about HYBE’s own groups is unforgettable. I’ll never forget how they body-shamed and made transphobic comments about my bias. Disgusting and shameless company,”another commented.

Other users argued that HYBE’s actions constituted a betrayal of trust, claiming that the label was allegedly fostering hostile remarks about their artists and K-pop peers internally. Some questioned the logic of following Sojang while simultaneously pursuing legal action against her.

“This is definitely a breach of trust. Imagine spreading hateful comments about your artists from someone your artists are suing,”one user pointed out.

“Isn’t Sojang literally being sued by HYBE artists??? Why would they use her as a source when she’s targeting them as well??”another added.

“No wonder HYBE didn’t sue Sojang while other agencies took legal action for their idols. Even SM, known for its issues, sued her on behalf of their artists! We also know NJ’s parents want to sue Dispatch, but HYBE opposed it due to their connections,”another user mentioned.

HYBE under fire for alleged disparagement of Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, and others in a controversial 18,000-page internal document

According to Sports Kyunghyang, on October 25, 2024, a complaint was lodged against HYBE at the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office’s Western Branch. This complaint highlighted allegations regarding the label’s ‘Music Industry Report’ and claimed it was not adhering to its own established code of conduct.

The issues raised focused on the alleged bullying of the rookie girl group NewJeans, representing ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. The complainant stated that the internal conduct guidelines were not being respected at the label and asserted that the Ministry of Employment and Labor should investigate the situation. The complaint detailed:

“The content within HYBE’s internal report, dubbed ‘Music Industry Report,’ made public on the 24th, clearly demonstrates that the ‘code of conduct based on respect’ touted by CEO Kim Joo-young is not being upheld at all.”

It further stated:

“Thus, it is crucial for the Ministry of Employment and Labor to discern the particulars surrounding the document in question.”

The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office has confirmed receipt of the complaint. On October 28, Sports Kyunghyang reported that the organization plans to utilize the ‘Music Industry Report’ submitted by the complainant to investigate potential workplace bullying regarding NewJeans.

The internal report is said to contain disparaging comments about various groups, including Stray Kids’ Changbin, NCT’s Haechan, NCT Dream, BLACKPINK, BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook, NMIXX, TWS, IVE, NewJeans, Wonder Girls, and several others.

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