Background
So-called "cyber wrecker" YouTubers, who pour out falsehoods and abuse directed at entertainers and agencies in pursuit of views, have become a social problem. When one such YouTuber's malicious content caused serious harm to a major entertainment agency, its labels and their artists, the agency retained Changchun to pursue a claim for damages.
What Was at Stake
Criminal complaints against "cyber wreckers" are common, but there was little precedent for establishing civil liability in damages. Obstacles included the boundary with freedom of expression and proof of loss. The key was to establish that the YouTuber's content went beyond merely raising questions to constitute unlawful defamation, and that the resulting loss had to be compensated.
How Changchun Helped
Acting for the agency and its labels, Changchun (attorneys Jaesun Yoon and Donghwan Shin) systematically proved that the videos in question had damaged the reputation and credibility of the companies and their artists through abuse contrary to fact.
The court held the YouTuber liable in damages. Going beyond criminal punishment to impose civil liability on a "cyber wrecker" YouTuber, this is in effect the first case of its kind and a significant judgment. It marks an important milestone for redress against harm caused by malicious content. (Related coverage: Newsen article) (Outcomes depend on the facts of each case and may differ.)