Kim Soo Hyun's accuser loses big in high-profile case against YouTuber Tzuyang; court slaps ₩10 million fine per video
As per Korean outlet My Daily, in a big win for Tzuyang (real name: Park Jeong Won), the Seoul High Court has ruled that Garo Sero Institute and the host must cough up ₩10 million (around $7,200) per video if they upload anything more about her. This came after the court found them repeatedly violating her privacy, even after an earlier warning.
Also read: Kim Soo Hyun moves National Forensic Service after his plush apartment seized; to challenge Garosero's 'fabricated' evidence
Back in July, Garo Sero aired a broadcast about Tzuyang's past. In the video, without her permission, they played an audio clip of other YouTubers, named Gujeok and Jujak Gambyeolsa, talking about how to blackmail her using private info. The clip has sensitive information about Tzuyang's personal life. In response, she went live and opened up about being abused and exploited by a former boyfriend.
However, even after that, Garosero continued making defamatory content on the YouTuber's personal life, leading to Tzuyang filing a lawsuit accusing them of coercion, intimidation, and stalking law violations, and asked the court to order the deletion of all the videos. During the first trial in the house, the court acknowledged that some videos needed to be given, given that they were violating her privacy, but didn't impose a fine, and the case was closed.
Also read: Kim Soo Hyun's brand value drops to zero as 16 'frustrated' advertisers demand billions in damages
However, as Kim Soo Hyun's battle against the YouTuber flared up, Tzuyang reappealed in court. This time, the second court sided with her and said that since Garo Sero didn't stop even after the first verdict, a harsh step needed to be taken. The court stated, 'The defendants have continued to upload videos for the purpose of amplifying or reproducing related suspicions or rumours even after the first-instance ruling,' adding that 'there is a high likelihood they will repeatedly produce and post content violating the first-instance decision unless a separate indirect enforcement order is issued.'
The legal war is still going on. The police earlier decided not to charge Kim Se Ui due to 'lack of evidence,'but the prosecution disagreed after Tzuyang challenged the ruling. The case has now been sent back for further investigation and is currently being handled by Gangnam Police. The YouTuber has already dodged two summons, citing his heavy schedule due to South Korea's presidential election, but now that it's over, he might have to face jail time if he fails to cooperate.
Earlier, Kim and his agency, Gold Medalist, were granted a court order to seize Kim Se Ui's two posh apartments, meaning the YouTuber is already reeling from a financial blow. Kim had accused the YouTuber of similar charges to Tzuyang. On June 24, it was reported that the Queen of Tears star filed an additional lawsuit against him, citing false accusations and the distribution of fabricated evidence. His legal team released a statement saying, 'Kim Se Ui and the late Kim Sae Ron's family went beyond merely spreading false information based on a forged audio file; they even filed a criminal complaint against actor Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of false charges and violations of the Child Welfare Act. This is a clear and serious case of false accusation.'
Recently, a lot of advertisers have filed a lawsuit against Kim, seeking damages caused by his controversies based on Kim Se Ui's evidence. His legal team has now approached the National Forensic Department and vowed to ensure those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law. 'Gold Medalist and actor Kim Soo Hyun have taken swift legal action by filing this additional lawsuit and criminal complaint against Kim Se Ui and the family of the late Kim Sae Ron. We will do everything we can to ensure that they are held fully accountable under the law and according to due process,' LKB & Partners said.
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