Seoul, South Korea — A South Korean court has ordered a social media user to compensate a virtual K-pop group, Plave, due to defamatory remarks made online. The user is required to pay 500,000 won, equivalent to about $360, for their derogatory comments against the animated members of the group.
Plave, which debuted in 2023, consists of five virtual members who are brought to life through motion-capture technology and are voiced by anonymous performers. The group’s agency filed a civil lawsuit last year after the user posted disparaging remarks about the band on social media.
The court’s ruling, made public this month, marks one of the first legal decisions addressing issues related to virtual K-pop idols, a genre gaining popularity in South Korea’s music industry. The lawsuit highlights the evolving dynamics of digital media and its intersection with legal standards for defamation.
With over one million followers on YouTube, Plave has established itself as one of the notable names in the realm of virtual performers, often sharing music videos and vlogs. The group’s track “Way 4 Luv” received dual nominations for best vocal performance and song of the year at the upcoming 2024 MAMA Awards. Additionally, they secured a prominent accolade at the Seoul Music Awards earlier this year.
In July 2024, the individual targeted Plave with a series of online posts that included profane language. Comments implied that the real people behind the avatars might not be appealing and suggested they emitted a “typical Korean man vibe,” as reported by a local media outlet.
The user contended that their comments were directed solely at the fictional avatars, rather than the individuals behind them. However, the court ruled against this defense, stating that derogatory remarks about an avatar that is widely recognized as representative of a real person also reflect on the actual individuals involved.
Plave’s agency, Vlast, had initially sought 6.5 million won for each of the five performers, citing emotional distress caused by the comments. Ultimately, the court awarded 100,000 won per performer, a fraction of what was requested. The decision was reached after considering the nature of the comments and the surrounding circumstances.
Vlast has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling, emphasizing the case’s significance in establishing a legal framework for the defamation of virtual avatars. Supporters of virtual K-pop idols argue that these digital personas can help mitigate the intense scrutiny human idols endure regarding their personal lives.
As the trend of virtual performers continues to rise, the legal implications of their representation and the protection of their creators become increasingly critical in an evolving entertainment landscape.
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