BTS’s Agency Gives Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posters And Illegal Ticket Scalpers

BTS’s agency BIGHIT MUSIC has shared an update on its ongoing legal action against individuals who post malicious and defamatory content about the group, spread false information, and engage in illegal ticket scalping.

Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

We regularly take legal action against activities that infringe upon BTS’s rights, including defamation, insults, sexual harassment, and malicious disparagement. We would like to provide an update on our key legal actions in the third quarter of 2026.

Recently, there has been an increase in defamatory posts targeting the artists on Threads, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and other anonymous online communities based outside Korea. We continue to make every effort to identify those responsible for posting insulting or defamatory content about the artists and would like to emphasize that the use of such platforms does not exempt individuals from criminal liability. In fact, individuals who posted defamatory or insulting content about the artists on platforms such as Threads, DC Inside, and Naver News have recently faced legal consequences, with fines imposed through summary proceedings in some cases and following court proceedings in others. We will continue our efforts to ensure that those responsible face appropriate penalties, however long the legal process may take.

Beyond the use of defamatory or insulting language against the artists, promoting or spreading unfounded rumors about the artists’ albums, performances, or other content, disseminating fabricated news, and repeatedly and systematically posting false information across multiple online communities constitute infringements of the artists’ rights and damage their reputation. Such conduct is subject to criminal penalties. We actively track those responsible and gather relevant evidence through our real-time evidence collection and monitoring systems. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy and will not extend leniency to suspects apprehended in the course of investigations following criminal complaints.

Meanwhile, a suspect who allegedly made more than KRW 2 billion (approximately $1,470,000) in profits through organized ticket scalping, using illegal automated programs and identities belonging to others to resell concert tickets at dozens of times higher than their face value, was recently detained and referred to prosecutors on charges of obstruction of business and violations of the Public Performance Act. We have been involved in the case since the investigation began and have actively cooperated with law enforcement authorities, including by submitting a petition calling for strict punishment. We will continue to make every effort to eradicate such practices and protect the integrity of the live entertainment market.

This quarter, we continued to file criminal complaints against individuals responsible for malicious posts about BTS across domestic online communities (including TheQoo, Instiz, Naver, Daum [Women’s Generation, Jjukbbang, SoulDresser, etc.], Nate, Dmitory, DC Inside forums dedicated to BTS, male celebrities, and domestic entertainment, as well as Ilbe and FM Korea); music streaming platforms (including Melon, Bugs Music, and Genie Music); and global social media platforms (including Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram).

Reports from fans continue to provide valuable support for these efforts. If you encounter any unlawful activity that infringes upon the artists’ rights, please submit a report at

We sincerely appreciate your unwavering love and support for BTS.

We remain committed to protecting our artists and will continue to strengthen our response.

Thank you.
BIGHIT MUSIC

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SM Entertainment Announces Strict Legal Action Against Malicious Posts And Illegal AI-Generated Images Targeting Lim Yoona And aespa’s Winter

SM Entertainment has shared official statements regarding the legal action they are taking to protect the rights of Lim Yoona and aespa’s Winter.

On September 28, SM Entertainment announced that they had filed criminal complaints against those who create illegal AI-generated images of Lim Yoona and spread false information based on such images. The agency also warned that it will take strong legal action against malicious posts targeting aespa’s Winter.

Read the agency’s statements below:

Regarding Lim Yoona

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide an update regarding violations of the rights of our artist YoonA (Lim Yoona).

We have recently identified additional cases of illegal AI-generated images created by manipulating YoonA’s likeness without her consent, as well as false information based on such images, being indiscriminately created and circulated primarily on social media and online communities.

Through reports submitted by fans via “KWANGYA 119” and our ongoing monitoring, we are continuously collecting and securing evidence of such illegal posts. Based on this evidence, we have already filed criminal complaints and will respond firmly without leniency or settlement.

Not only can creating or posting illegally manipulated content using AI or other technologies without an artist’s consent constitute violations, but sharing, reposting, or spreading such images and posts may also constitute violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, including defamation, infringement of portrait rights, and editing and distribution of fabricated videos under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

We strongly ask that you immediately stop creating or posting illegal manipulated content or unverified false information, as well as sharing or redistributing such content—including through reposts and quote posts on social media, articles containing such images, and uploads to various online communities. Please exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in any legal issues as a result of such activities.

We will continue to closely monitor such activities and take active legal action to protect the rights and reputation of our artists.

Thank you.

Regarding aespa’s Winter

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We hereby issue a stern warning that we will take strong legal action against malicious posts that continue to be circulated about our artist aespa’s Winter.

Currently, malicious posts and content targeting the artist—including the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander and personal attacks, and sexual harassment—continue to be posted across various platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TheQoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Women’s Generation, and Nate Pann. Accordingly, following a thorough review by our legal counsel, we plan to proceed with legal action in stages, including filing criminal complaints.

In addition, we will respond without exception to illegal activities carried out on anonymous forums and social media platforms beyond those mentioned above. Regardless of whether the perpetrators are based in Korea or abroad, we will secure the necessary evidence to identify the authors of the posts and trace how the content was created and circulated, and will request investigations by the relevant authorities. We reiterate that those found to be responsible will face strong legal consequences under our zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to exercise particular caution and refrain from engaging in criminal activities.

Through reports submitted by fans via “KWANGYA 119” and our own monitoring, we are regularly collecting and securing evidence of all posts and content that infringe upon the rights of our artists. We will continue to strengthen our legal response to malicious posts in order to protect the rights and interests of our artists.

Thank you.

Source (1) (2)

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SEVENTEEN’s Agency Shares Update On Legal Proceedings Against Violation Of Artist Rights

SEVENTEEN’s agency PLEDIS Entertainment has released an update on legal proceedings against the violation of artist rights.

Hello.
This is PLEDIS Entertainment.

To protect the rights of our artist SEVENTEEN and take firm action against malicious acts, we have been continuously pursuing legal action against the dissemination of false information, insults, and sexual defamation targeting the artist, based on materials collected through our own monitoring system and reports actively submitted by fans. Below is an update on the legal actions currently in progress as of the third quarter of 2026.

1. Update on the Progress of Major Complaints
Based on the evidence collected, we have filed complaints against individuals responsible for creating malicious posts, and judicial proceedings are currently underway in multiple cases. In particular, among the existing cases, a defendant who was indicted on charges of malicious defamation against the artist was recently sentenced to a fine of 2 million won (approximately $1,470) at the first trial. The defendant appealed the decision, and the appellate proceedings are currently underway. We will continue to respond firmly and see this case through to the end to ensure that the defendant receives appropriate punishment in the appellate proceedings. In this case, as well as other cases currently under investigation by the investigative authorities, we are responding without leniency. We will continue to pursue legal action without any compromise against any crimes that infringe upon the rights of our artists in the future.

2. Update on Our Response to Professional Ticket Scalpers Engaging in Illegal Ticket Trading
We have been working closely with the investigative authorities to ensure the apprehension and punishment of professional ticket scalpers who have engaged in illegal trading of tickets for our artists’ concerts. As a result, some of the professional ticket scalpers recently apprehended have been sentenced to prison terms, including sentences of one year and eight months and one year and four months, respectively, with combined forfeiture exceeding 1 billion won ($736,000). In addition to these individuals, investigative procedures are continuing against other professional ticket scalpers, particularly those based overseas, and we are actively cooperating with requests from the investigative authorities. We will continue to track down and take firm action against professional ticket scalpers engaging in illegal ticket trading, without leniency and to the fullest extent of the law.

3. Information on Ongoing Monitoring and Evidence Collection Regarding Malicious Posts
Using our own real-time monitoring system, we are collecting evidence in real time of infringements upon our artists’ rights across online channels both domestically and internationally, including major online communities (DC Inside, Ilbe, FMKorea, TheQoo, Instiz, Women’s Generation, Jjukbbang Cafe, Nate Pann, Weverse, etc.), music platforms (Melon, Bugs Music, etc.), and social media platforms (X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, etc.). Even if a post is immediately deleted, our monitoring system enables us to track the author and secure evidence. The dissemination of false information that damages an artist’s reputation, insults, disparaging comments regarding appearance or nationality, mockery and hateful expressions, sexual harassment, and sexual objectification constitute clear criminal offenses punishable under relevant laws and regulations. We will respond firmly under a zero-tolerance policy, without offering any leniency or settlements.

4. Information on Submitting Fan Reports
In addition to our ongoing monitoring, reports submitted by fans are of great help in proving criminal acts and identifying suspects. If you encounter malicious posts that infringe upon the rights of our artists, please submit a report using the format below.
Report Channel: HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Website (protect.hybecorp.com)
Recommended Format: A full-screen screenshot of the entire PC screen or a PDF file (saved as a PDF through the Print menu) containing all of the following: the URL, the full contents of the post, information about the author, and the date the post was created and the date the screenshot was taken.

We sincerely thank all CARATs for your unwavering support and love for SEVENTEEN. We will continue to do our utmost to protect the artist’s reputation and rights.

Thank you.

Currently, SEVENTEEN’s newest unit JxJ is gearing up for their debut with “DREAMSCAPE”—check out teasers here!

Music,kpop,SEVENTEENkpop,SEVENTEEN#SEVENTEENs #Agency #Shares #Update #Legal #Proceedings #Violation #Artist #Rights1790560650

Byeon Woo Seok’s Agency Issues Warning Against Invasions Of Privacy + Threatens Legal Action

Byeon Woo Seok’s agency has issued a stern warning against the invasion of his privacy.

On September 19, VARO Entertainment released a statement in which they threatened to take legal action against those those who continued to infringe on Byeon Woo Seok’s privacy.

In particular, the agency warned individuals to refrain from “visiting or waiting near private spaces like the residences of [Byeon Woo Seok’s] manager or associates in an attempt to track his movements, or obtaining or sharing the artist’s personal information and private travel details through inappropriate means.”

Hello, this is VARO Entertainment.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to the fans who care for and support actor Byeon Woo Seok.
We consider the warm interest and heartfelt support of [Byeon Woo Seok’s] fans to be precious. We are making this announcement so that the artist and his fans can continue on together in a safer and healthier environment in the future, so we ask for your active cooperation after reading the following notice.

There have recently been repeated instances of people visiting locations related to the artist’s scheduled activities or travel, such as filming sets and airports, when the locations were not officially announced, along with instances of people following the artist and his staff as they move between locations.
Therefore, in order to protect the artist’s safety and privacy, as well as to ensure smooth on-site operations, we ask that you refrain from visiting any locations or scheduled activities aside from those that have been officially announced as open to fan participation.

In particular, we hope that you will immediately cease all actions that infringe on the artist’s safety and privacy, such as visiting or waiting near private spaces like the residences of the artist’s manager or associates in an attempt to track the artist’s movements, or obtaining or sharing the artist’s personal information and private travel details through inappropriate means.

In the case where such acts compromise the artist’s safety and privacy or disrupt the carrying out of his work, it is our policy to gather relevant evidence and take the legal action necessary depending on the incident. Please be advised that in the case of repeat or severe invasions of privacy, we may take action without a separate warning.

This announcement was made for the sake of everyone’s safety, including the artist and the fans, so we ask for your generous understanding.
We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that our artist and his fans can be together in a safer and better environment in the future as well.

Thank you.

Celeb,Byeon Woo Seok,dramaByeon Woo Seok,drama#Byeon #Woo #Seoks #Agency #Issues #Warning #Invasions #Privacy #Threatens #Legal #Action1789881041

ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Agency Warns Of Strong Legal Action Over Leak And Misuse Of Anxin’s Personal Information

ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s agency WAKEONE has warned of strong legal action against the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and misuse of the members’ personal information.

On September 18, WAKEONE released an official statement announcing that it had confirmed the unauthorized leak and dissemination of member Anxin’s personal information on social media, as well as its subsequent misuse.

In response, the agency strongly urged those responsible to immediately cease such activities and warned that the agency would take all available legal measures with zero tolerance toward acts that violate its artists’ privacy and rights.

Read WAKEONE’s official statement below:

Hello. This is WAKEONE.

We have recently confirmed that member ANXIN’s personal information has been leaked and disseminated without authorization on social media platforms and that such information has since been misused.

Disclosing or disseminating an artist’s personal information without their consent is a serious violation of the artist’s privacy and rights. In particular, using or impersonating the artist with leaked personal information, including identification documents, may cause further harm not only to the artist but also to third parties. We therefore ask that you immediately cease disseminating such information or using, modifying, or misusing it in any form.

We are continuously collecting relevant posts and materials and are working with SHIN & KIM LLC to review and pursue the necessary legal action. Upon confirming such acts, we will take all available legal measures against the sharing or redistribution of personal information, as well as alteration, unauthorized use, or misuse of such information. We will also take firm action, with zero tolerance, against any conduct that infringes upon the artist’s rights and interests.

If you come across any related posts, please refrain from sharing or reposting them to prevent further circulation. Instead, please send us the relevant URLs and materials through our reporting channel. (wakeone_protect@wake-one.com)

WAKEONE will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect the privacy and rights of our artists.

Thank you.

Source (1)

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BIGHIT MUSIC Shares Update On Legal Action To Protect CORTIS’s Rights

BIGHIT MUSIC has shared an update on its ongoing legal efforts to protect CORTIS’s rights and privacy.

On September 16, the agency announced that it reported two foreign suspects to the police after they trespassed on CORTIS’s residence in July. The suspects admitted to illegally purchasing information about the artists’ accommodation address and entering the residence without authorization. They were referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of jointly trespassing upon a residence, but the prosecution ultimately decided not to indict them. BIGHIT MUSIC stated that it plans to formally object to the decision and seek a re-evaluation of the case.

The agency also emphasized that it will continue taking legal action against various acts that infringe upon CORTIS members’ rights, including malicious slander and insults, personal attacks, spreading false information by distorting the artists’ words or actions, sexual harassment, and other violations of their personal rights.

Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

We are continuously monitoring and taking legal action against acts that threaten the privacy and safety of CORTIS members or infringe upon their rights and interests. We would like to provide an update on the progress of our recent legal actions and our approach to addressing acts that infringe upon their rights and interests.

1. Results of Legal Action Regarding Trespassing Upon CORTIS Members’ Residence

In connection with trespassing upon the artists’ residence that occurred around July of this year, we reported two foreign suspects to the police immediately after the incident and have actively cooperated with the investigation. At the scene, the suspects admitted that they had illegally purchased information about the artists’ accommodation address through social media and entered the residence without authorization. They were referred to the prosecution without detention on charges of jointly trespassing upon a residence and have received a suspension of indictment.

A suspension of indictment means that while the prosecution has confirmed the criminal charges against the suspects, they have decided to close the case without formally indicting them. We view acts such as trespassing and the buying or selling of personal information—which pose a direct threat to our artist’s safety and privacy—with the utmost gravity. Accordingly, we plan to seek a re-evaluation of the non-prosecution decision through formal objection procedures.

Going to an artist’s accommodation or buying and selling information about their accommodation constitutes an unequivocal criminal act. Unauthorized entry into not only the private residential areas but also shared entrances, communal stairways, hallways, and elevators constitutes the criminal offense of trespassing upon a residence, and when two or more individuals enter together, the offense is subject to aggravated punishment. Even if it is out of simple curiosity, please refrain from entering artists’ accommodations or residences under any circumstances.

2. Response to Infringements Upon CORTIS Members’ Rights and Interests and Malicious Posts

We are also monitoring and taking legal action against various online acts that infringe upon the rights and interests of CORTIS members.

Recently, we have identified numerous malicious posts that include malicious slander and insults directed at the artists, personal attacks, the distortion of the artists’ words or actions to spread false information, sexual harassment, and other acts that infringe upon their personal rights.

We are comprehensively collecting relevant evidence through monitoring of major domestic and international online communities and portals, social media platforms, and music streaming sites, as well as through reports submitted by fans. Although open discussion and criticism of our artists and their music are expected, any actions that cross into infringing on our artists’ rights will be met with strict legal action to the fullest extent possible. In particular, if such conduct is repeatedly identified, we will respond firmly in accordance with our principles, regardless of the offender’s nationality and without settlement or leniency.

3. Response Regarding the Privacy and Safety of Artists at Airports and On Board Aircraft

We are continuously strengthening on-site security measures to protect the artists’ privacy and safety during transit, including at airports. Please refrain from the following conduct, as it may infringe upon the artists’ privacy and safety and cause inconvenience to other passengers and airport users.

– Boarding the same flight using illegally obtained information about the artists’ flight tickets, or secretly taking videos or photographs of the artists after boarding
– Attempting to give items to artists who are sleeping or otherwise resting on board, or attempting physical contact with them; following the artists as they move about the aircraft or waiting near them
– Arbitrarily changing the in-flight meals or other food provided to the artists or accompanying staff
– Tracking the artists’ movements through airports and boarding areas, waiting for extended periods of time, or following them by vehicle to their destination or accommodation after arrival

We are collecting evidence regarding individuals who repeatedly engage in such stalking despite fan etiquette notices and multiple verbal warnings given on-site, and we intend to take the necessary legal measures. We are also closely monitoring any attempts to distort the facts concerning the artists or staff in connection with these matters or to spread false information. We ask everyone to follow airport rules and fan etiquette so that all passengers can use airports safely.

Your interest and reports are of great help in protecting our artists. If you discover any posts or conduct that infringe upon CORTIS’s rights and interests, please actively report them through the “HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Website (protect.hybecorp.com).” When submitting a report, we kindly ask that you include a full PC screenshot or a PDF file clearly showing the URL, username, post content, and date, as this will assist us in taking legal action.

BIGHIT MUSIC will continue to do its utmost to protect the rights and safety of CORTIS members, both online and offline.

Thank you.

Celeb,CORTIS,kpopCORTIS,kpop#BIGHIT #MUSIC #Shares #Update #Legal #Action #Protect #CORTISs #Rights1789553146

Mark Lee’s Label Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

Mark Lee’s label UPPER ROOM has announced plans to take legal action against malicious posts and comments targeting the singer.

On September 2, Summer, UPPER ROOM’s in-house lawyer, announced that the label would take firm legal action against malicious content targeting Mark Lee, including posts and comments that constitute cyberbullying.

The label’s full statement is as follows:

Hello, this is Summer, in-house lawyer at UPPER ROOM.

First and foremost, we would like to sincerely thank all the fans for your continued anticipation and love for our artist Mark Lee’s new single “My Friend.”
Like the cool breeze that arrives at the end of a hot summer, we hope this song brings a refreshing and pleasant feeling to your everyday lives.

Since our establishment in the first half of this year, we have been continuously monitoring malicious posts targeting our artist across various online platforms and social media, including malicious slander, the spread of baseless false information, and violations of his personal rights.

At present, the artist is more concerned about the emotional pain and stress that these malicious posts may cause his fans than he is about himself. Accordingly, for the sake of both the artist and his fans, we intend to take firm legal action against malicious posts and comments that constitute cyberbullying.

Moving forward, we promise to continue doing our utmost to ensure that the relationship between the artist and his fans remains centered on the beautiful connection they share through music.

Thank you.

Source (1)

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Gun-il’s Legal Representative Releases Statement Regarding Artist’s Departure From Xdinary Heroes

Gun-il, who recently left Xdinary Heroes, has released a new statement through his legal representative.

On August 20, attorney Sung Jae Hwan of Joowon Law Firm, representing Gun-il, posted an official statement on his Instagram, declaring, “The Artist did not depart of his own volition nor did he agree to terminate his exclusive contract.”

Read the full statement below:

Gun-il’s Legal Representative Releases Statement Regarding Artist’s Departure From Xdinary Heroes插图

Gun-il’s Legal Representative Releases Statement Regarding Artist’s Departure From Xdinary Heroes插图1

Gun-il’s Legal Representative Releases Statement Regarding Artist’s Departure From Xdinary Heroes插图2

Gun-il’s Legal Representative Releases Statement Regarding Artist’s Departure From Xdinary Heroes插图3

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fromis_9 And Wendy’s Agency Warns Of Firm Legal Action Against Malicious Acts Targeting Their Artists

ASND, the agency representing fromis_9 and Red Velvet’s Wendy, has announced that it will be taking legal action to protect its artists.

On August 19, ASND released an official statement warning that it will take firm action against malicious acts targeting its artists, including malicious slander, the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, and any acts that infringe upon its artists’ rights, regardless of the severity of the case.

Read ASND’s full statement below:

Hello.

This is ASND.

As previously announced, we intend to take strict action against acts targeting our artists, including malicious slander, the spread of false information, defamation, and sexual harassment.

Despite this, we continue to identify malicious posts and comments targeting our artists’ appearances and bodies, including degrading remarks, malicious criticism, sexual objectification, and sexually harassing content.

In particular, acts that violate our artists’ dignity and rights, such as making sexual remarks about or commenting on specific parts of an artist’s body, mocking or degrading their appearance or body, and maliciously spreading false information, cannot be considered simply expressions of opinion or freedom of expression. They constitute clear acts of defamation.

We will continue to collect evidence of malicious posts and comments, including those currently identified as well as any that may be discovered in the future, and will take active measures against any acts that infringe upon our artists’ rights and interests, regardless of the severity of the case.

To protect the dignity and rights of our artists, we will continue to closely monitor malicious activity and take strong action through the necessary legal procedures.

Thank you.

Celeb,fromis_9,kpop,Red Velvet,Wendyfromis_9,kpop,Red Velvet,Wendy#fromis_9 #Wendys #Agency #Warns #Firm #Legal #Action #Malicious #Acts #Targeting #Artists1787204274

Jennie’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s agency has announced that it will be taking legal action against malicious content targeting the singer.

On August 18, OA Entertainment released an official statement announcing that it is currently pursuing both civil and criminal legal action against those responsible for spreading false information, defaming Jennie, maliciously editing or manipulating her photos and videos, violating her privacy, and posting other malicious content targeting the artist. The agency emphasized that there will be no settlement or leniency under any circumstances.

OA Entertainment also encouraged fans to submit reports if they come across similar malicious posts or content targeting Jennie.

The agency’s full statement is as follows:

Jennie’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts插图

Celeb,BLACKPINK,Jennie,kpopBLACKPINK,Jennie,kpop#Jennies #Agency #Announces #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1787045912