The group NewJeans has won a lawsuit for damages against a so-called 'cyber harasser' YouTuber who created sexually harassing videos related to their activities.
According to the legal community on the 11th, the Seoul Western District Court Civil Division 13 (Judge Lee Ah-young) ruled partially in favor of the plaintiffs in a damages lawsuit amounting to 100 million won filed by the five members of NewJeans against YouTuber Shin.
The court ordered Shin to pay 5 million won each to Minji, Hani, and Daniel, and 7 million won each to Haerin and Haein.
Shin is accused of producing over 20 videos that sexually harass the members by distorting their hit song 'Cookie' to 'Gookie' and changing the expression 'brightly greeting' to 'X-gi', while also implying sexual acts by depicting the members holding microphones. Additionally, he left sexual comments targeting the underage members, such as expressing a desire to make them "mothers of many children."
In response, NewJeans filed a damages lawsuit seeking 20 million won for each member, totaling 100 million won.
Previously, Ador requested a California federal court to order Google to disclose the identity of Shin, who was spreading such defamatory statements.
NewJeans is currently experiencing a legal dispute regarding their exclusive contract with Ador. The members have suspended their activities based on the court's judgment.
The court ruled in favor of Ador regarding the injunction request for 'preservation of agency status and prohibition of advertising contracts.' As a result, the members' commercial activities, including singing, broadcasting appearances, events, and advertisements, are restricted without Ador's approval.
The court also accepted Ador's request for indirect enforcement. The indirect enforcement fee is a penalty imposed for failing to comply with the court's decision, and the court stated that if NewJeans engages in independent activities without Ador, they must compensate 1 billion won each.
The mediation date for the validity confirmation of the exclusive contract between NewJeans and Ador will be held privately on the 14th of this month.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
