Starship Entertainment has officially released a comprehensive statement following the Supreme Court of South Korea’s final ruling against the notorious operator of the YouTube channel “Sojang.”
On January 29, 2026, the highest court in the land upheld the lower court’s decision, effectively ending a long and arduous legal battle that has been closely watched by the global K-pop community.
The defendant, a woman identified as Park, was found guilty of multiple charges, including defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act.
The Supreme Court finalized a sentence of two years in prison, suspended for three years.
Additionally, the court upheld a significant financial penalty, ordering the forfeiture of 210 million won (approximately $145,780) and 120 hours of mandatory community service.
This ruling marks a watershed moment in the South Korean judiciary’s approach to digital harassment and the accountability of content creators who profit from the destruction of public reputations.
The Pattern of Malice: Targeting Jang Won Young and Others
The legal proceedings revealed a systematic pattern of harassment orchestrated by Park between October 2021 and June 2023. During this period, the “Sojang” channel posted 23 defamatory videos that maliciously targeted seven public figures.
Among the primary victims was IVE’s Jang Won Young, who became the center of numerous fabricated scandals and personal attacks designed to incite public vitriol.
Starship Entertainment’s statement highlighted a critical legal principle reinforced by this case: the court determined that even when unverified claims are framed as “speculation” or “allegations,” they constitute the dissemination of false information if the context leads the audience to perceive them as facts.
This sets a vital precedent, closing a loophole often exploited by “cyber wreckers” who use vague language to shield themselves from libel laws while intentionally causing maximum reputational damage.
A Zero-Tolerance Policy Against “Cyber Wreckers”
In the wake of the ruling, Starship Entertainment reaffirmed its uncompromising stance on artist protection.
The agency emphasized that the honor and personal rights of celebrities are entitled to the same legal protections as any other citizen.
By pursuing both civil and criminal litigation without the possibility of settlement or leniency, Starship has signaled that the era of “clickbait” defamation without consequence is coming to an end.
The agency specifically targeted the “cyber wrecker” culture—a term used in Korea to describe YouTubers who profit from spreading rumors and fake news.
Starship stated they would continue to leverage every legal tool available to combat those who exploit anonymity to incite cyberbullying.
They committed to thorough, ongoing monitoring of digital platforms to ensure that such malicious activities are identified and prosecuted swiftly, preventing future harm to their artists.
Gratitude to the Fandom and Future Outlook
Starship Entertainment concluded its statement by expressing deep gratitude to the fans.
The agency acknowledged that the successful prosecution of Park was made possible through the unwavering support, tips, and evidence provided by the public and dedicated fans of IVE.
This collective effort was instrumental in building a robust case against the operator of “Sojang.”
Moving forward, the agency pledged to continue its efforts in fostering a healthy online culture.
This victory is not just a win for Starship and Jang Won Young, but a significant step toward creating a safer digital environment for all entertainers.
By holding malicious creators accountable to the fullest extent of the law, the industry hopes to deter future bad actors and ensure that the focus remains on the talent and hard work of the artists rather than manufactured controversy.
In a monumental moment for the global music industry, the Grammy Awards has officially confirmed that Rosé, a member of the powerhouse group BLACKPINK , will be performing at the upcoming 2026 ceremony.
On January 29 local time, the Recording Academy broke the news that the singer-songwriter would be joining a star-studded lineup of performers for this year’s event.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in Rosé’s career, as she continues to break barriers as a soloist and solidifies her position as a dominant force in the international pop scene.
The performance is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, especially given Rosé ‘s reputation for delivering powerful, vocally driven live sets.
Her appearance at the Grammys is not just a personal triumph but also a historic moment for K-pop, further bridging the gap between East and West.
As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, the music world is buzzing with speculation about what her stage will look like, with many expecting a high-production spectacle that showcases both her unique vocal color and her magnetic stage presence.
Dominating the Nominations with “APT.”
Rosé’s invitation to perform comes on the heels of her immense success with her solo work, particularly her chart-topping collaboration with American superstar Bruno Mars.
Their hit single “APT.” has taken the world by storm, and its impact is reflected in this year’s Grammy nominations.
Rosé has secured three major nominations, making her one of the standout contenders of the night.
Her smash hit “APT.” is in the running for some of the ceremony’s most prestigious honors: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé (Credit: YouTube)
Being nominated in the “General Field” categories (Record and Song of the Year) is an exceptional achievement for any artist, but it is especially notable for Rosé, as it highlights the widespread critical acclaim and commercial success of her collaboration with Mars.
The song, which seamlessly blends her distinct style with Bruno Mars’ classic funk and pop sensibilities, has been praised for its infectious hook and cultural impact.
These nominations place Rosé among the elite of the music industry, acknowledging her talent not just as a member of a global group, but as a formidable individual artist and songwriter.
Tune In: A Historic Night for Music
The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to air live on February 1, starting at 8 p.m. ET. This ceremony is expected to be one of the most-watched musical events of the year, with Rosé’s performance being a major draw for international audiences.
Fans from all corners of the globe are preparing to tune in to witness her historic stage and see if she will walk away with one of the coveted golden gramophones.
Beyond the Grammys, Rosé’s influence continues to expand, as she was also recently nominated for the 2026 BRIT Awards alongside other global stars.
Her trajectory over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and her upcoming Grammy performance is viewed as the crowning jewel of a highly successful era.
As she prepares to take the stage this weekend, the narrative remains focused on her artistic evolution and the record-breaking success of “APT.”
This performance is destined to be a defining moment in her career, further establishing Rosé as a permanent fixture on the global stage.
Whether she wins or not, her presence at the Grammys signifies a new era of recognition for Korean artists in the mainstream American music landscape.
