First Trial Opens for Class Action Lawsuit Claiming 1.5 Billion Won in Damages for 4,766 Spectators No-Show at Ronaldo Event

The Festa Denies Responsibility for Hosting the Friendly Match

On the afternoon of July 26 last year, Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus FC sat on the bench before the start of the friendly match between Hana One Q Team K League and Juventus FC held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seongsan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. / Yonhap Photo by Yonhap

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] In the first trial of the class-action lawsuit for damages related to the so-called 'Ronaldo No Show' incident, where Cristiano Ronaldo (35) did not participate in the friendly match between Team K League and Juventus held in Seoul last year, the event organizer, The Festa Co., Ltd., denied responsibility.

On the morning of the 9th, the first hearing of the lawsuit filed by 4,765 plaintiffs, including Mr. Ga, against The Festa Co., Ltd., which organized the match, demanding approximately 1.539 billion KRW in damages, was held at the Seoul Central District Court Civil Division 21 (Presiding Judge Kim Sang-hoon).

On this day, The Festa's lawyer argued, "Ticket sales were conducted between consumers and the ticket sales agency, not by The Festa, the event agency."

He added, "Legally, the contracting party for consumers is the ticket sales agency, not The Festa, so the responsibility imposed on The Festa is excessive."

After the trial, the lawyer told reporters, "If only Ronaldo had played and no other Juventus players appeared, would that also be a breach of contract?" and "The advertisement that 'Ronaldo would play for 45 minutes' was not initiated by The Festa."

Ronaldo was scheduled to play in the friendly match between Team K League and Juventus at Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 26 last year but ultimately did not participate.

After the match, criticism accusing Ronaldo of mocking Korean fans flooded the internet, and lawsuits for damages against The Festa were filed one after another.

Previously, in a trial held at Incheon District Court by two spectators, the first trial partially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, recognizing the ticket price of 70,000 KRW and 300,000 KRW in consolation damages. The Festa has appealed the ruling.

Initially, 4,778 plaintiffs participated in the class-action lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court, but after the complaint was filed, 12 withdrew, and currently, 4,766 plaintiffs are participating in the trial.

The next trial is scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 4.