JYPE promises firm legal action against speculative defamation and insults in response to Nayeon’s 600 million won debt lawsuit

JYP Entertainment has officially addressed the allegations of unpaid debt involving TWICE's Nayeon. In a statement made on September 19 KST, the company clarified, "The ruling has already been finalized and concluded, so we have nothing to say since it has no bearing on the artist's entertainment pursuits."

JYP Entertainment further added, "We intend to respond sternly through legal means to any cases of defamation or baseless insults targeted towards our artists through speculation."

Earlier, a lawsuit, initiated by an individual identified as Mr. A, was filed against Nayeon and her mother in January last year in the Seoul Eastern District Court's 13th Civil Affairs Division. The accuser, who has been rumored to be Nayeon mother’s ex-lover, claimed a loan repayment of 600 million won. However, the claimant lost in the legal proceedings.

According to the court's ruling, between 2004 and 2016, Nayeon received approximately 535.9 million won from Mr. A. This amount comprised monthly rent, loans, tuition fees, and communication expenses spread over about 12 years. Nevertheless, the court found insufficient evidence to deem this as a stand-alone loan with a lawful obligation of repayment.

Mr. A had alleged that Nayeon, then a trainee singer, promised to repay the money once she launched her singing career, but failed to honor her commitment. Post the unfavorable verdict in the trial, Mr. A did not challenge the ruling in the superior court.