HYBE Loses Damages Lawsuit Over Girl Group ILLIT Videos

HYBE and BELIFT LAB have lost a damages lawsuit filed against a company accused of operating controversial YouTube channels that allegedly spread false claims about rookie girl group ILLIT.

According to legal sources on May 8, Judge Lee Gwan-hyung of the Civil Division 12 at the Seoul Western District Court ruled against HYBE and dismissed the company’s compensation lawsuit against Fast View.

The court’s detailed reasoning behind the ruling has not yet been publicly disclosed.

HYBE Sought 280 Million Won in Damages

The lawsuit stemmed from HYBE’s broader legal campaign launched in 2024 against several YouTube channels accused of spreading misinformation targeting the company’s artists and labels.

Fast View reportedly operated two of the channels named in the legal dispute.

HYBE sought approximately 280 million won in damages, arguing that videos uploaded on the channels contained false and defamatory claims involving ILLIT and other HYBE artists.

The videos allegedly included accusations that ILLIT had copied another idol group’s concept and that HYBE and some of its artists were connected to a specific religious organization.

Criminal Investigation Previously Launched

HYBE had previously filed criminal complaints with police in 2024, insisting that the allegations presented in the videos were false.

In May of last year, a former team leader-level employee identified as “A” from Fast View was reportedly referred to prosecutors on charges related to defamation and insult under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act.

The civil lawsuit, however, has now ended with the court ruling in favor of the defendant company.

A large media wall and art installation set up at HYBE Yongsan HQ pop up store on the first floor (Photo / HYBE)

Ongoing Industry Crackdown on “Cyber Wrecker” Channels

The case has drawn attention within the entertainment industry as K-pop agencies continue increasing legal action against so-called “cyber wrecker” YouTube channels—accounts that generate views through speculative, provocative, or controversial celebrity-related content.

Major entertainment companies including HYBE have repeatedly emphasized that they plan to pursue both civil and criminal action against online defamation, malicious rumors, and misinformation targeting artists.

The ruling is expected to fuel further debate over legal standards surrounding online commentary, platform responsibility, and the balance between freedom of expression and celebrity protection in South Korea’s digital media landscape.