HYBE Loses in First Trial in 280 Million Won Defamation Lawsuit Against “Cyber Lekkka” Alleged Harasser

“HYBE” and “cyber lekkka” opponent: lost in first trial of a lawsuit for damages in the 200 million won range

The agency of the girl group “ILLIT”, “HYBE”, and “Belift Lab” lost a lawsuit seeking damages in the 200 million won range that was filed against the operator of the so-called “cyber lekkka” YouTube channel.

According to legal circles on the 8th, in a civil case at the Seoul Western District Court’s Civil Division 12 (Judge Lee Gwan-hyeong), “HYBE” and others were ruled against the plaintiffs in a lawsuit seeking damages filed against “Fast View”. The specific reasons for the ruling have not yet been made public.

Spreading plagiarism allegations and claims of ties to a religious organization... even after referral for criminal charges, loses civil case

Previously, “HYBE” launched a strong legal response against multiple YouTube channels in 2024 to put an end to the reckless spread of false claims about its affiliated artists. The defendant in this lawsuit, “Fast View”, is the company that operates two of the problematic channels, and “HYBE” sought compensation from them in the amount of 280 million won.

Those YouTube channels claimed through video content that “ILLIT” copied other groups—raising plagiarism allegations—and at the same time made false assertions that “HYBE” and its affiliated entertainers are deeply connected to a specific religious organization.

In response, “HYBE” submitted a complaint to the police, arguing that the video content was clearly “defamation” and contained false facts. As a result, in May of last year, a former team-lead-level employee, identified as A, of “Fast View”, also achieved a referral to prosecutors on charges of “defamation” and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. However, in the court of first instance of this civil lawsuit, the court ruled in favor of the defendant, and attention is now focused on whether “HYBE” will appeal and what its legal response strategy will be going forward.