SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – A South Korean court has ruled in favour of a virtual idol group in a landmark case, recognising that derogatory remarks aimed at digital avatars can constitute an insult against the real individuals behind them.

The Goyang branch of the Uijeongbu District Court in Gyeonggi Province recently ordered a commenter to compensate the group members after they filed a civil lawsuit over online remarks posted on X in July 2024.

The group had sought KRW6.5 million (USD4,700) each, claiming their reputation was harmed. While the defendant argued the insults were directed only at fictional characters, the court found that attacks on digital avatars could still amount to libel against their human counterparts.

“The victim should be specified for the crime of insult, but this does not necessarily mean the name or group must be identified. Specification can be achieved if people familiar with the victim recognise who the insults are targeting,” the court said in its ruling.

The court further noted, “The avatar in the era of the metaverse is more than a virtual image, but a form of self-expression, identity, and communication with society.”

Although the court acknowledged the harm caused, it reduced the damages to KRW100,000 per person instead of the full amount requested.

The group has appealed, saying the ruling is important for setting a precedent in cases involving avatars, but expressed disappointment with the compensation awarded.

Virtual idols, a growing trend in South Korea’s entertainment industry, are represented by computer-generated images powered by motion capture technology. The performers’ real identities are typically kept private, with the digital avatars serving as their public persona.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin