The defamation lawsuit involving BTS members V and Jungkook and controversial YouTuber Sojang has entered a new stage, with the Seoul court encouraging both parties to pursue a settlement.
According to Korean media outlet Star Today, the court has scheduled a court-mediated discussion for July 21 at 9:40 AM KST (6:10 AM IST) to explore a possible mutual agreement. Unlike previous sessions, this mediation may require V and Jungkook to attend in person, although official confirmation of their presence is still pending.
The mediation follows a decision on June 16 by the second-level court to switch from a full trial to a settlement process. Under South Korea’s Civil Procedure Act, if both sides agree, the settlement carries the same legal weight as a final judgment.
This defamation case stems from Sojang, owner of the YouTube channel Taldeok Camp, being convicted in February 2025 for posting 23 false defamatory contents between October 2021 and June 2023 targeting BTS members. She was ordered to pay damages amounting to 76 million KRW (around USD 53,000).
From the damages awarded, V and Jungkook each received 10 million KRW and 15 million KRW respectively, while BTS’s agency BIGHIT MUSIC was given 51 million KRW. This amount was adjusted from an initial 90 million KRW claim in January 2025.
The settlement talks come just days after BTS confirmed their reunion during a Weverse livestream on July 1, marking their return after over three years of hiatus and sparking excitement among fans worldwide.
