Seo Ye Ji Cleared in Lawsuit! Agency to Repay Half of Endorsement Fees

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

Seoul Central District Court delivered a verdict on November 10th, clearing actress Seo Ye Ji of compensation responsibility in a damages suit filed by Yuhan Care. The court mandated Seo Ye Ji's agency, GOLDMEDALIST, to return half of the 450 million won ($345,514) endorsement fees to the brand advertiser.

Amidst the legal battle, Yuhan Care demanded contract termination and fee reimbursement from Seo Ye Ji's agency after the actress faced allegations of gaslighting, school bullying, and falsifying her educational background in April 2021. The court, while rejecting joint claims for damages and penalties, ordered GOLDMEDALIST to repay 225 million won ($172,092) to Yuhan Care.

Seo Ye Ji, chosen as Yuhan Care's ambassador in July 2020, encountered a wave of controversies last year, leading to the termination of her brand endorsements. Company A, embroiled in a legal dispute with Seo Ye Ji, insisted on damages due to alleged brand image deterioration.

Seo Ye Ji's defense argued the allegations were untrue, asserting no contractual breach and contesting the need for compensation. Conversely, Company A contended that Seo Ye Ji's failure to address the controversies damaged the brand image.

Despite a tumultuous year marked by controversies, Seo Ye Ji is poised for a comeback, set to grace the small screen as the lead in tvN's upcoming drama "Eve," scheduled to premiere on June 1st, 2023.

In response to the court ruling, Seo Ye Ji expressed gratitude for the exoneration and maintained her innocence. The court emphasized that the alleged incidents predated the contract period, absolving Seo Ye Ji and GOLDMEDALIST of contractual breaches.

The legal resolution underscores the complexities of celebrity endorsements, offering clarity on contractual obligations. As Seo Ye Ji prepares for her return to the entertainment scene, the court's decision marks a significant chapter in her journey, allowing her to move forward with a measure of closure.

Source: My Music Taste

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