Broadcaster Park Soo-hong, 56, has achieved a partial win in his lawsuit against a model management company and another firm, securing payment for unpaid endorsement fees after a three-year legal battle.
Court Ruling Details
The Suwon District Court’s Seongnam Branch Civil Division 4, presided over by Judge Do Young-oh, issued the decision on the 11th. The court ordered the management company to pay Park 46.33 million won and the second firm to pay 29.83 million won, covering 84% of the principal amount plus overdue interest out of the total 490 million won claimed.
Dispute Background
Park, who operates a private equity firm investing in food companies that feature his name and image in product promotions, entered a collaborative project with the management company, the second firm, and a commerce operator. The agreement involved using Park’s name, likeness, and modeling services for sales promotions. However, the partners abruptly ended the contract in September 2023 without compensating him for the model fees.
Park has filed similar suits against other entities for unauthorized use of his image, including demands for damages related to Japanese branch operations. The management company sought large settlements from executives there, but the court rejected those damage claims.
Judge’s Key Statements
Judge Do Young-oh stated, “The plaintiff anticipated a contract with the defendants and participated in sales to project companies, effectively managing the brand and enabling the use of his name. Without a formalized contract, no legal duty existed, and claims of unauthorized advertising violations lack foundation.”
He added, “A comprehensive review of the contract negotiations shows the plaintiff advanced brand promotion. Incidents of unauthorized use of Park Soo-hong’s name and likeness, such as the one on June 5, 2023, involving the former president, do not amount to a breach warranting damages.”
