The former agency of Korean actor Ji-soo (real name Kim Ji-soo), who appeared in the Philippine series “Black Rider,” was told to pay 1.42 billion won (about $1 million) in damages to a production company of a Korean drama from which the actor was removed in 2021 due to school violence allegations.
In a decision on July 25, the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled partially in favor of company Victory Contents against KeyEast, Ji-soo’s former agency.
Korean actor Ji-soo holding his Red Carpet Scene Stealer award at the recent GMA Gala in the Philippines (Instagram)
Korean actor Ji-soo in the 2021 drama “River Where the Moon Rises” (KBS) 
Korean actor Ji-soo (Instagram)
"The defendant [KeyEast] must pay the plaintiff [Victory Contents] approximately 1.42 billion won and interest in arrears," the court ruled Korean media reported.
The lawsuit stemmed from Ji-soo’s drama “River Where the Moon Rises,” in which he co-starred with actress Kim So-hyun.
“River Where the Moon Rises” started airing on Feb. 15, 2021. In March 2021, after the first six episodes had already aired, Ji-soo was accused of committing school violence including bullying.
A former schoolmate of Ji-soo posted online to accuse the actor of school violence that he allegedly committed while they were studying at Sorabol Middle School in Seoul from 2006 to 2008.
On March 4, 2021, Ji-soo apologized, saying, “I sincerely apologize to those who suffered because of me. There is no excuse for my past misconduct. These were actions that could not be forgiven.” He did not elaborate on which of the accusations were true.
Korean TV channel KBS and Victory Contents announced the removal of Ji-soo from “River Where the Moon Rises” and he was replaced by “Mr. Queen” actor Na In-woo.
At the time, 18 of the 20 episodes of the drama were already filmed with Ji-soo. As a result, the entire drama was reshot with Na In-woo as the lead actor.
Meanwhile, Victory Contents filed a 3 billion won (about $2.16 million) lawsuit against KeyEast to recover the damages from additional production costs as the drama had to be reshot.
Victory Contents said it suffered damages such as staff expenses, venue and equipment rental fees, appearance fees and production design expenses due to reshooting of the drama. It also cited a decrease in viewership ratings, decrease in expected sales and damage to the company’s image.
"We tried to sincerely proceed with consultations on compensation for damages with KeyEast but we were forced to file a lawsuit due to KeyEast’s non-cooperation,” Victory Contents said.
In May 2021, Ji-soo’s contract with KeyEast was terminated following the controversy.
Ji-soo filed a lawsuit against those who were spreading false facts about the controversy including that he allegedly committed sexual assault.
In October 2023, Korean media reported that Ji-soo and the first person who made the allegation reconciled.