A YouTuber was ordered to pay 1.7 billion won for defaming SM Entertainment artists, including aespa and EXO, through malicious videos.
April/29/2026 12:28
The operator A of the YouTube channel 'Tardok (De-Otaku) Detention Center' received a judgment ordering him to pay 170 million won (about 18.4 million yen) in damages for defamation against artists belonging to SM Entertainment. From October 2021 to June last year, A produced malicious videos targeting celebrities such as IVE's Wonyoung, BTS members, and Kang Daniel, and faced multiple lawsuits for defamation and insult. In this context, the results of the trial regarding defamation against SM Entertainment artists like aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet were announced. On April 22, the 14th Civil Division of the Seoul District Court ruled that the operator of the 'Tardok Detention Center' channel produced and posted videos containing expressions that harmed the personality of aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet, violating their personality rights, and ordered a total of 130 million won (about 14.05 million yen) in damages to each plaintiff. Additionally, the court stated that the videos produced and posted by the defendant had a direct impact on public perception of the plaintiff singers, leading to a decline in their image and brand value, which are core assets of the plaintiff company, SM Entertainment, and thus recognized that the defendant's actions substantially hindered the plaintiff company's business operations, ordering an additional 40 million won (about 4.32 million yen) in damages. This resulted in a total damages judgment of 170 million won. SM filed a lawsuit against the channel operator in April 2024 for violations of laws regarding the promotion of information and communication networks and information protection (defamation), insult, and other charges against aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet. The operator of the 'Tardok Detention Center' channel was sentenced on January 15, 2025, by the Incheon District Court to 2 years in prison, 3 years of probation, 120 hours of community service, and an additional 211.42 million won (about 22.86 million yen) in restitution, which was confirmed after appeals. The court stated, 'The defendant disseminated false facts about the plaintiff singers through the 'Tardok Detention Center' channel, producing and posting videos that included personal attacks or derogatory expressions, openly insulting the plaintiff singers. This significantly exceeded the scope of mere opinion expression and constituted a serious violation of the plaintiffs' honor and personality rights.' SM stated, 'To protect our artists in the future, we will continue to take strong legal action against various illegal acts and crimes, as well as the use of insulting and derogatory expressions, and the dissemination of false facts by YouTube channels that repeatedly infringe on personality rights.'
Related Articles
This 3-night, 4-day journey starts in Daegu and visits Andong and Gyeongju, highlighting UNESCO villages, scenic night views, local dishes, markets, and BTS-related spots. It shows that traveling beyond Seoul offers a richer, quieter, and more restorative Korea.
Two popular Korean brands, Jongnanmimyeongga and Lolo Mallo, will make their first appearance at Daimaru Kobe from October 14 to 20. Jongnanmimyeongga offers realistic vegetable- and fruit-shaped sweet breads, while Lolo Mallo features chewy Dubai mochi cookies in several flavors.
On the morning of the 30th, IVE’s Rei, MONSTA X’s Minhyuk, Kang Hoon, and DAY6’s Wonpil attended an event for the cosmetics brand LUNA held at Musinsa Mega Store in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District, Seoul.
aespa’s Winter will not attend the Dallas performance after being diagnosed with shingles. SM Entertainment said she had felt unwell before the Miami show, continued performing out of a desire to stand on stage with the group, but later sought hospital care and was diagnosed. Karina, Giselle, and Ningning will perform, while Winter rests and recovers.
On the afternoon of the 28th, Red Velvet’s Irene and Seulgi returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport after completing their schedules in Japan. The text also notes that their Japan tour opened in Fukuoka, where they first performed all songs from their Japanese debut album, and that their first Japan mini-album, "Cheetah," will be released on November 4, along with special events and meet-and-greets at tour venues.
On the afternoon of the 28th, EXO’s Baekhyun returned to Korea from Taiwan through Incheon International Airport after completing his overseas schedule.
On the morning of the 29th, IVE’s Rei attended an event for the colored contact lens brand rom'u held at MUSINSA BEAUTY’s Hongdae store in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
SM Entertainment said it will strongly respond to malicious posts targeting aespa’s WINTER. It is collecting evidence from platforms and fan reports, and plans legal action against false rumors, defamation, insults, sexual harassment, and other abuse on and off major sites.
IVE is making a comeback after about eight months. STARSHIP Entertainment released a coming-soon video for the new mini album Looks Can Kill. The album will follow a pre-release song on October 19 and be fully released on October 26. It is their first new work since REVIVE+ and comes after their second world tour.
On the morning of the 28th, IVE’s Wonyoung headed to Paris, France, via Incheon International Airport to attend Paris Fashion Week.
