Actor Park Seo-jun has addressed reports claiming he filed a ₩6 billion KRW lawsuit against a small business owner, calling them misleading and clarifying that the actual claim was ₩60 million KRW (approx. $43,000 USD).

💬 "We Considered the Damage, But Sued for Less"

On July 3, a representative from Awesome ENT spoke with Dispatch, explaining:

"While the estimated damage based on Park Seo-jun's advertising value is around ₩6 billion, we considered the restaurant's business scale and circumstances, and ultimately filed a claim for ₩60 million."

This comes after a media outlet reported earlier that Park Seo-jun had filed a ₩6 billion lawsuit and was awarded just ₩5 million, sparking backlash online and accusations of "crushing a small business."

🍽️ The Background: A Viral Filming Location

In 2018, Park Seo-jun starred in the drama What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. A scene where his character enjoys soy sauce marinated crab was filmed at the restaurant in question.

From 2019 to September 2023, the restaurant allegedly used Park's image and footage from the drama in promotional materials—such as banners, interior/exterior photos, and even search ads—with captions like "The crab dish that even Park Seo-jun fell in love with."

🚫 Ignored Takedown Requests

"Since 2019, we repeatedly asked the restaurant to stop using his image in ads," the agency said.

"But they continued to take down and repost banners and search ads. Even after receiving formal legal notices, they never responded."

⚖️ Court Ruling and Response to Online Harassment

On July 2, the Seoul Eastern District Court ruled in favor of Park Seo-jun, ordering the restaurant owner to pay ₩5 million in damages for unauthorized commercial use of his image.

Awesome ENT added that they are planning strong legal action against malicious commenters:

"Even after a fair ruling, online users are engaging in secondary harm by spreading defamation and mockery. There will be no leniency or settlement."

📢 Official Statement (Excerpt):

"Despite repeated requests since 2019 to remove unauthorized advertisements, the restaurant continued to re-upload search ads and banners.

Though the estimated damage based on model fees was ₩6 billion, the actual lawsuit amount was ₩60 million.

We will take firm legal action without compromise against those infringing on Park Seo-jun's portrait and personality rights."