SEOUL, June 23 (UPI) — A South Korean actress known for her roles in romantic comedies has won compensation from a plastic surgery clinic that used her likeness to promote its services.
Celebrity Kim Sun-ah is to be paid $22,600 in damages, according to s Seoul appellate court ruling on Wednesday, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.
The plastic surgery center had outsourced its online marketing to a South Korean public relations firm specializing in healthcare in 2012, according to South Korean news outlet Edaily.
The business began running a company blog that featured photos of Kim and her autograph – all used without the actress’ permission.
Statements on the blog falsely claimed Kim recommended the clinic.
The ruling is a partial victory for Kim, who originally filed a lawsuit claiming more than $90,000 in damages.
The Seoul court judge based the actual compensation on Kim’s typical earnings from commercials, which was estimate at around $13,560 per episode, and added more than $9,000 in damages to her “assets.”
The judge said Kim’s “personal rights” were violated when the clinic used her name and likeness without her permission.
The sensitive reputation of South Korean actresses was also taken into consideration.
The highly idealized image of South Korean celebrities is susceptible to damage when linked to the plastic surgery business.
Plastic surgery is a highly sought after procedure in South Korea.
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