Min Hee-jin has launched a large-scale legal campaign against online commenters posting malicious remarks. Partnering with attorney Choi Kyu-ho, known for handling defamation and cyber harassment cases, she is pursuing lawsuits against individuals who left offensive comments on news articles about her.

According to legal documents obtained by Dispatch, Min's team filed complaints against commenters who used derogatory terms such as "b*tch" in reference to her. The suits demand compensation ranging from 3 to 4 million KRW (approximately $2,200–$3,000 USD) for damages. The filing states, "The defendants insulted Min Hee-jin, infringing on her dignity and seriously damaging her reputation. They are obligated to provide financial compensation for her psychological suffering."

Examples of Claims and Court Outcomes

Specific comments targeted include: "Money-crazed X, I knew it," "She's insane for cursing at a press conference," and "Not an ordinary X—people around her must be worried." For these, her legal team demanded up to 4 million KRW in damages.

However, court rulings so far have imposed smaller penalties, ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 KRW. Comments such as "worthless X" were fined 50,000 KRW, while "Once a betrayer, always a betrayer" led to a 200,000 KRW penalty. Some cases were dismissed altogether, with judges ruling that certain insults were too minor to qualify as actionable defamation.

Settlement Option Controversy

Notably, Min's legal team included a clause in the complaints offering the possibility of settlement. Defendants were provided with a phone number and told that "there is willingness to engage in dialogue for an amicable resolution." One accused commenter told Dispatch, "They started settlement talks at 2 million KRW minimum. Some people paid just to avoid a police investigation."

While Min Hee-jin's lawsuits continue, public debate has emerged over whether the strategy resembles a "settlement business." Results from ongoing cases are expected to be released gradually in the coming months, keeping attention on how the courts balance malicious speech, freedom of expression, and compensation.