The 37th Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court has dismissed actor Jo Byeong Kyu's damages lawsuit against his school bullying accuser 'A'.
According to the court records, Jo Byeong Kyu's side argued, "A severely defamed Jo Byeong Kyu by making false accusations. Jo Byeong Kyu incurred damages from the termination of his advertisement contracts and the cancellation of his appearances in dramas, films, and movies totaling 4 billion KRW. On top of this, Jo Byeong Kyu also demands 200 million KRW in compensation."
Because 'A' is residing in New Zealand, they were unable to defend their case in the trials and failed to submit sufficient evidence. However, the court still sided with 'A' over Jo Byeong Kyu.
The court ruling revealed, "It is difficult to prove just from the evidence submitted by Jo Byeong Kyu's side that 'A' made false accusations. Jo Byeong Kyu's side submitted evidence of a conversation between Jo Byung Kyu, A, and another acquaintance, but A never admitted in this conversation that they lied about the accusations."
The court also observed, "It is probable that A deleted the original accusation out of fear after Jo Byeong Kyu's lawyer warned them about the immense burden and costs of a damages lawsuit."
Although Jo Byeong Kyu submitted testimonies by fellow acquaintances who spent time with him in New Zealand during his study abroad, denying that he took part in any bullying, the court ruled that these testimonies were biased because the acquaintances were "close friends".
In the end, the court dismissed Jo Byung Kyu's lawsuit against 'A' and ordered Jo Byeong Kyu to pay for the costs of the lawsuit for both sides. Another lawsuit filed against 'A' for damages was dropped by prosecutors during the investigation stage.
In response, Jo Byeong Kyu's side has chosen to file an appeal.
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