HYBE Shares Further Updates On Legal Proceedings For Their Artists Against Malicious Activities

On December 29, artists under HYBE including BTS, TXT, SEVENTEEN, fromis_9, Hwang Minhyun, Baekho, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans each posted a statement updating on their legal proceedings against malicious activities that violate the rights of the artists. The statements provide follow-up on the previous update given by HYBE earlier in June.

Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

Our company regularly initiates legal proceedings against perpetrators of malicious activities related to BTS, including defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, the spread of groundless information, and ill-intentioned criticism. We would like to provide an update on these activities.

During this quarter, we filed multiple criminal complaints with law enforcement agencies based on evidence related to acts infringing on the rights of the artists, including defamation, submitted by our fans as well as collected through our own monitoring.

The individual we filed criminal complaints against for violating the Act on Punishment of Crime of Stalking mentioned in our previous notice has been subjected to criminal penalties following the prosecution’s investigation. In consideration of the seriousness of behaviors that threaten the safety and privacy of the artists, we have submitted petitions urging more stringent penalties. The individual who repeatedly visited artists’ residence was reported to the police for allegations of violation of the Act on Punishment of Crime of Stalking and trespassing, and an investigation is underway, as reported in the media.

As for the individual who previously impersonated a BTS member and leaked unreleased music, we have obtained evidence of additional crimes of artist impersonation. Additional criminal charges have been filed against the impersonator, leading to arrest and indictment. The trial is pending, awaiting the court’s verdict.

Regarding the malicious rumors with evident malicious intent towards the artists, we have compiled numerous malicious postings that involve the dissemination of false information and defamation and included them in the complaint. We are applying a zero-tolerance policy as we take legal action in civil and criminal proceedings against malicious rumors that undermine our artists’ reputations.

After a lengthy police investigation, the identity of an individual who repeatedly posted false information and malicious defamatory comments on NatePann and Naver, totaling dozens of cases, has been ascertained. Although the suspect in question has proposed a settlement, we clearly made our stance to pursue legal accountability to the fullest extent without settling.

BIGHIT MUSIC regularly collects information on malicious postings regarding BTS, reports them to the authorities, and takes legal actions. We will continue taking legal action without interruption, even while all members are fulfilling their military service. We will continue to adhere to strict measures and our policy of no settlement and no leniency to hold suspects accountable.

We ask that you make continued use of our legal affairs hotline ([email protected]) to report any cases of abuse.

We are always grateful for the affection and dedication shown by the fans of BTS. BIGHIT MUSIC will continue to work to ensure that the rights of our artists are fully protected.

Thank you.