In a long-awaited verdict, BLACK6IX's Kim Hyunjae has emerged victorious in a legal battle against false accusations of school bullying.
The controversy arose last year when Hyunjae was forced to drop out of the reboot survival show, Peak Time, amidst allegations that he vehemently denied.
The accusations, initially brought forward by a former schoolmate, led to a tumultuous period for the K-pop idol.
In response, Hyunjae chose to step away from the show to shield his team from any negative impact.
Simultaneously, he took legal action, filing a lawsuit seeking ₩500 million KRW (approximately $377,000 USD) in damages for the harm caused by the false claims.
In a statement from Hyunjae's legal representative, it was asserted that the accusations were baseless and defamatory.
A fellow alumni from Kim Hyunjae's elementary and middle school and that alumni's mother repeatedly posted false allegations of school violence. Due to the criticisms against Kim Hyunjae as a perpetrator, he dropped out of Peak Time and as such, is suing for compensation. We have already handed in testimonies from the school's students and teachers, as well as testimonies from the policemen working at the station, and truth verifications from the Sinan Office of Education, as part of evidence for the compensation lawsuit.
- Kim Hyunjae's legal representative
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The legal battle spanned over a year, during which evidence including testimonies from school students and teachers, police statements, and verifications from the Sinan Office of Education were presented to substantiate Hyunjae's innocence.
On July 10, 2024, Kim Hyunjae shared a significant update with his fans through Instagram, posting a screenshot of the court ruling that declared his innocence and awarded him damages.
The document, titled "Kim Hyunjae wins lawsuit over false accusations. Seoul Central Courts rule that his schoolmate has to pay him for damages," marked a crucial moment of vindication for the idol.
Hyunjae's case underscores the importance of addressing false accusations and protecting individuals from the damaging effects of unfounded claims in the age of social media scrutiny.
The ruling not only clears his name but also serves as a reminder of the legal recourse available to individuals unfairly targeted by online allegations.
As Hyunjae celebrates this legal victory, fans and supporters have flooded social media with messages of encouragement and relief, expressing their happiness at seeing justice served.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.
