Starship Entertainment has initiated actions to bring about severe punishment for "Cyberwrecker" Sojang, a controversial YouTube channel known for spreading false malicious information about renowned idols from the entertainment industry. The entertainment label has also flagged another YouTube channel, Luminarc, in relation to this lawsuit.
On September 14, Starship Entertainment released an official statement saying, "We demand stringent legal action against 'Sojang' due to its practices of producing and disseminating fake news using the entertainment industry as a cover. This has led to significant harm to our artists and employees, besides inflicting grave damage to our overall enterprise."
The company further mentioned, "The 'Sojang' channel has consistently propagated false information, resulting in serious harm to our reputation. It has brought about substantial distress to our artists as well as fans. Despite our attempts to pinpoint their identities, they've resorted to deleting their accounts and evading responsibility for their actions. Consequently, we urgently call for strict punitive measures."
Furthermore, Starship highlighted, "There are numerous channels, including 'Luminarc,' engaging in similar activities involving the spread of fake news within the entertainment industry. Such activities often include online harassment and defamatory practices. These channels artfully package their content as a reflection of public opinion, rather than expressing their personal viewpoints, all while deceiving the public and dodging legal repercussions."
In response to these accusations, a comprehensive post was published on Luminarc's YouTube community page stating, "Starship personnel, please read." The post included the defense, "I understand I was named. There may naturally be fans among those urging Starship to sue me, but those applying the pressure are predominantly anti-fans of girl groups. My videos were created as part of 'girl group noise marketing' with no intent to insult or defame any members."
The post further clarified, "Although I may deal with negative issues, ultimately, I always side with the girl group. Do you presume that my aim was to insult and offend girl groups? I feel very disheartened for being named alongside 'Sojang' as a cyberwrecker channel influenced by anti-fans. If required to face court, I am ready to defend my actions because my videos do not mirror what the anti-fans accuse me of, as mentioned earlier. I strictly adhered to ethical standards and legal compliance."
Adding further, the post stated, "It appears this has occurred due to anti-fans masquerading as fans, leaving comments to berate me and incite lawsuits daily, particularly against none other than IVE and Jang Won Young. How could I be labeled a cyberwrecker like Sojang, especially given my tireless efforts in creating videos for IVE and Jang Won Young?" Meanwhile, public comments regarding this post have been restricted.
However, contrary to Luminarc's defense, recent YouTube videos and shorts on their channel undeniably contain content that propagates false information and defames various girl groups, judging by the video thumbnails and titles alone.
In the recent past, Starship has launched civil and criminal lawsuits and international proceedings against the Sojang channel for perpetuating baseless rumors about artists such as Jang Won Young and IVE.
On September 11, the Korean Management Union, the Korean Entertainment Producers Association, the Korean Music Label Industry Association, and the Korean Music Content Association released a united statement calling for stringent punishment for malignant content creators, exemplified by Sojang. These allegations and actions underscore the fight against misinformation and the importance of protecting artists from potentially harmful online slander.
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