What happens when fame, controversy, and the past collide?
Actor Jo Byung-kyu, once adored for his roles in Sky Castle and The Uncanny Counter, is now making headlines — not for a new drama, but for losing a massive ₩4 billion won lawsuit (roughly $2.8 million USD).
But wait, how did things get this far? And what exactly went down in court that led to this shocking decision? Let’s rewind and break it all down — step by step.
The Beginning of the Controversy
Back in February 2021, a person known as “A” came forward on social media claiming to have been a victim of school bullying by Jo Byung-kyu during their time studying in New Zealand.
According to A’s post, Jo Byung-kyu allegedly made them buy snacks, pay for karaoke sessions, and even physically assaulted them — kicking, hitting with umbrellas and microphones, and verbally abusing them.
The post spread like wildfire. Within hours, Korean online communities and media outlets were filled with debates: Was it true? Could Korea’s rising star really have done that?
And just like that, Jo’s bright career faced its darkest shadow.
Jo Byung-kyu’s Response: From Denial to Legal Action
Jo Byung-kyu didn’t stay silent. Through his agency HB Entertainment, he called the accusations completely baseless, insisting that the story was a fabrication.
Soon after, he filed a criminal complaint and later a civil lawsuit demanding ₩4 billion KRW in damages — claiming that A’s post caused severe financial and emotional harm.
He said the false claims led to the termination of major brand deals, cancellation of dramas, and loss of future projects. On top of that, he sought ₩200 million in consolation money for emotional distress.
The Jo Byung-kyu lawsuit quickly became one of the most talked-about legal battles in Korean entertainment.
The Court’s Verdict: Evidence, Doubt, and a Tough Decision
Fast-forward to November 1, 2025.
The Seoul Central District Court’s 37th Civil Division, led by Judge Lee Sang-won, delivered a verdict that stunned everyone — they ruled against Jo Byung-kyu.
Wait, what? Even though A didn’t show up in court?
Yes, that’s the twist. Because A currently resides in New Zealand, they didn’t respond to the lawsuit or submit a rebuttal. The trial proceeded through public notice service, meaning court documents were made public — yet even after reviewing only Jo’s side of the story, the court still ruled in favor of A.
The reason? The court said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove that A’s post was false.
“It is difficult to conclude that the post was false based on the submitted materials alone,” the judge stated.
That one line changed everything.
Why the Court Rejected Jo’s Claims
Jo’s legal team submitted statements from more than 20 acquaintances who claimed he never bullied anyone. But here’s the catch — the court found those testimonies unreliable because they all came from people close to Jo in Korea, not from those who witnessed events in New Zealand.
The judge also rejected the idea that deleting the post meant A admitted guilt.
“It is possible A deleted the post out of fear after being warned about potential criminal charges and damages claims,” the court noted.
“Even true statements can lead to defamation charges in Korea.”
In short — deleting the post didn’t prove it was false.
The Fallout: Reputation, Reactions, and Harsh Criticism
Once news broke that Jo Byung-kyu loses 4 billion won lawsuit, public opinion exploded.
Online forums were flooded with criticism.
Comments ranged from disbelief to anger:
“He was suing for $3 million? That’s literally bullying his victim again.”
“Even when the other side didn’t appear, he still lost? That says it all.”
“Money can’t buy reputation. Should’ve stayed quiet.”
The backlash was intense. Many accused him of trying to “intimidate” his accuser through financial pressure.
Others expressed disappointment, saying the Korean actor Jo Byung-kyu controversy had gone too far.
And just a few days later, reports surfaced that HB Entertainment had ended its contract with the actor — marking another painful chapter in his career.
The Bigger Picture: School Bullying & Korean Entertainment
This isn’t just about one lawsuit — it’s about how South Korea views school violence accusations in the entertainment industry.
Since 2020, multiple actors, idols, and athletes have faced similar allegations, often leading to suspended projects, terminated endorsements, and years of reputational damage — even without proven guilt.
The Cho Byung-kyu school bullying case reignited conversations around what counts as justice, truth, and accountability in an era where online posts can destroy careers overnight.
What’s Next for Jo Byung-kyu?
The story doesn’t end here.
Jo Byung-kyu has formally filed an appeal against the decision of the court, arguing that the lower court “misapplied the law.” His appeal will be reviewed by the Seoul High Court in a couple of months.
Whether a new trial changes his fate is unknown, but one thing is certain: this scandal has already left an indelible stain on his reputation.
Even as he is said to be preparing for a new film project, Finding Hidden Money, the questions remain: Will he ever recover from this?
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Final Thoughts
The lawsuit of Jo Byung-kyu losing four billion won was a textbook example of how fleeting fame can be — a single accusation can turn the tide of opinion, and an accused’s reputation is almost impossible to restore once the public have stopped believing them.
In a way, the truth is sometimes messy, but it will not distract from the main take away.
In the court of public opinion, perception outweighs evidence.
