Actor Jo Byeong-gyu Loses Lawsuit Against School Bullying Accuser, 4 Billion Won Claim Dismissed

Actor Jo Byeong-gyu has lost a defamation lawsuit filed against an individual, identified as 'A', who accused him of school violence.

According to legal sources on the 1st, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Settlement Division 37 ruled against Jo Byeong-gyu and his former agency, HB Entertainment, in their 4 billion won (approximately $3 million USD) damages claim against 'A'.

The court stated that the evidence submitted by Jo Byeong-gyu's side was insufficient to prove that 'A's online posts were false. Consequently, Jo Byeong-gyu's side will bear the litigation costs.

Jo Byeong-gyu's representatives had argued that 'A' spread false information, damaging his reputation and leading to the cancellation of advertising contracts and the loss of roles in dramas, films, and variety shows, resulting in approximately 4 billion won in damages, plus 200 million won in consolation money.

However, the court found it difficult to conclude that 'A' posted false information based solely on the submitted materials. It also noted that conversations between 'A' and Jo Byeong-gyu's acquaintances for six months did not contain any admissions of falsehood.

The court suggested that 'A' likely removed the posts not because they admitted to falsehood, but due to pressure from the lawsuit and the substantial damages claim. The court added that 'A' might have been aware that defamation by stating facts, even if true, can be punishable in Korea.

Testimonies from over 20 acquaintances submitted by Jo Byeong-gyu's side were also not accepted as evidence, as the court deemed it difficult to verify the facts of the incident that allegedly occurred in New Zealand, given that these individuals had relationships with Jo Byeong-gyu in Korea. While acknowledging that some acquaintances had studied abroad with Jo Byeong-gyu in New Zealand, the court ruled their close friendship made their objectivity difficult to accept.

The case originated in February 2021 when 'A' posted on an online community claiming to have been a victim of school violence by Jo Byeong-gyu during his study abroad period in New Zealand. 'A' alleged Jo Byeong-gyu made them pay for snacks and karaoke and assaulted them with an umbrella and a microphone. Jo Byeong-gyu's agency at the time denied the allegations as groundless and initiated the civil lawsuit.

Jo Byeong-gyu has appealed the first-instance ruling, and the appeal trial is scheduled to take place at the Seoul High Court. The separate criminal complaint filed by Jo Byeong-gyu against 'A' for defamation reportedly resulted in a non-prosecution decision.

Meanwhile, Jo Byeong-gyu is expected to return to the screen in the latter half of this year with the film 'Find Hidden Money'.

Korean netizens expressed disappointment with the verdict, with comments like 'The outcome is regrettable,' and 'Hoping for the truth to be revealed in the appeal,' and 'Wishing for a clean resolution before his comeback.'