The case was dismissed.
34 minutes ago
HYBE’s legal complaint against a netizen over online comments has been dismissed, with prosecutors ruling the remarks did not constitute defamation or insult.
According to a non-indictment decision obtained by Financial News, the Bucheon branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office cleared the individual of charges including defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act.
The netizen had posted comments on Naver News accusing HYBE of “media manipulation” and using harsh expressions such as calling the company “mentally ill” and comparing it to Hamas. HYBE argued that these statements damaged its reputation, particularly in relation to its acquisition of a US-based PR agency.
However, prosecutors concluded that the term “manipulation” could not be clearly considered false, noting that PR agencies may engage in favorable editing for clients. They also stated there was insufficient evidence to prove the comments directly harmed HYBE’s social reputation. Regarding the insulting language, prosecutors acknowledged the expressions were rude but ruled they could be interpreted as personal opinions on a matter of public interest. They added that criticism of public figures and major companies must be judged more strictly when considering insult charges.
As a result, the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence, reinforcing legal precedent that even exaggerated or offensive expressions may fall within the bounds of free speech unless they significantly damage a person or entity’s social standing.