The legal conflict between Kang Daniel and YouTuber A has reached a new stage. The ongoing case, which centers on defamatory claims made by YouTuber A, has now been referred to mediation by the appellate court. This decision comes after both parties appealed the initial ruling delivered by the Seoul Central District Court in November 2024.
In the first trial, the court ruled partially in favor of Kang Daniel, ordering A to pay 30 million won in damages and bear 70% of the litigation costs. Dissatisfied with the outcome, both Kang Daniel and A filed appeals, leading to the case being transferred to the second trial.
Mediation as the Next Step
On January 3, 2025, the appellate court referred the case to mediation, aiming to resolve the dispute through mutual agreement. Mediation provides an opportunity for both parties to reach a settlement without continuing prolonged litigation. This process will involve discussions facilitated by the court to find a resolution that satisfies both sides.
YouTuber A was originally indicted for defaming Kang Daniel in a video uploaded to the now-deleted YouTube channel “Taldeoksuyongso.” The video, titled “The Disturbing Private Life of the Nation’s Boyfriend Actor Idol,” made unverified claims about the singer’s personal life. This channel had a history of spreading malicious rumors about celebrities, including idols, influencers, and public figures.
Legal Ramifications and Wider Impact
Kang Daniel is not the only victim of A’s actions. Other high-profile figures, such as Jang Won-young of Ive, BTS members V and Jungkook, Espa’s Karina, and EXO’s Suho, have also filed lawsuits against A for similar reasons. Jang Won-young and her agency, Starship Entertainment, successfully won the first trial, but the appeal process is ongoing in her case as well.
The criminal trial against A revealed troubling details. In their final statement, A requested leniency, expressing regret and claiming no intent to defame Kang Daniel. However, the court dismissed these arguments. The first-instance judgment highlighted that the video lacked credible sources and primarily focused on the private matters of Kang Daniel. It also emphasized that this caused significant harm to his reputation and career, making the case particularly severe.
The court underscored the gravity of A’s actions, stating, “The defendant showed no remorse and failed to apologize.” It added that A took no steps to repair the damage caused. Furthermore, it noted the wide-reaching impact of provocative YouTube content, where rapid dissemination can result in lasting harm.
Strong Stance by Kang Daniel’s Team
Kang Daniel’s agency, ARA, has taken a firm stance against A. Following the first trial verdict, the agency announced plans to file a separate civil lawsuit for damages totaling 100 million won. This legal action, according to the agency, aims to deter similar behavior in the future and protect others. It also seeks to prevent individuals from becoming victims of baseless defamation, highlighting the importance of accountability and fairness in such matters.
The decision to pursue mediation raises questions about whether both parties can reach a resolution. Kang Daniel’s side has shown little willingness to compromise, citing the seriousness of the harm caused.
The outcome of the mediation process remains uncertain, but it is clear that Kang Daniel and his legal team are committed to seeking justice. This case underscores the broader issue of accountability in online platforms, where false information can cause irreparable harm.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.