BTS is considered one of the biggest Kpop groups in history for their tens of accolades as a group, including awards, critical acclaim, and commercial success. However, the boys have garnered a great amount of negativity from haters who have just crossed the line.
On March 31, BTS’ music agency, BigHit Music, released the following statement in English regarding its legal proceedings against defamation, privacy violations, and other harmful actions targeting BTS. The company is not playing anymore with those who are trying to taint BTS’ image.
“To protect the rights of our artists, we regularly initiate legal proceedings against perpetrators of malicious activities targeting BTS, including defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, dissemination of false information, and ill-intentioned criticisms. Below is the summary of our key activities:
As a result of the previous lawsuit, the identities of multiple individuals responsible for malicious posts have been identified, and investigations have been conducted. Some of the defendants have been fined, while others have had their cases forwarded to the prosecution, with investigations ongoing. A few are currently undergoing trials. We remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for malicious posts are held accountable and face appropriate penalties.
As you may have seen in the media, the first-instance court has ruled that “Taldeok Camp,” a so-called “cyber wrecker” YouTuber, is liable for damages amounting to 76 million won (approximately $51,630). “Taldeok Camp” has filed an appeal since, and we are actively responding in the appellate process. We remain committed to ensuring that “Taldeok Camp” is held fully accountable for the illegal actions committed against our artists.
At the end of last year, a serious criminal act, including stalking, was committed against our artist, prompting an immediate action on our part. We filed a report to the police, and the perpetrator was arrested in flagrante delicto, subsequently detained, and prosecuted. Earlier this year, the court sentenced the perpetrator to a fine of 10 million won (approximately $6,800). We will continue to take a firm stance against any actions that threaten the safety of our artists, with no leniency extended to the offenders.
This quarter, we have continued to collect evidence of malicious posts across various domestic and global platforms based on valuable fan reports and real-time monitoring. Such platforms include DCInside (including BTS Gallery and Male Celebrities Gallery), Ilgan Best, Daum Cafes (including Women’s Era and Jjukbbang Cafe), TheQoo, Instiz, and X (formerly Twitter). As a result, we have gathered substantial evidence regarding malicious posts and have formally filed complaints with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, we are closely monitoring malicious posts targeting BTS members currently fulfilling their military service. We will continue to report and pursue legal action against such content.
We would like to stress once again that spreading baseless and malicious rumors that defame the artists’ reputation and violate their personality rights, publicly insulting them with the intent to slander, engaging in acts of sexual harassment, or infringing on their privacy are not only actions that cause severe harm to the artists but also illegal acts punishable under the law.
BIGHIT MUSIC is always open to reports from fans regarding violations of our artists’ rights. If you encounter malicious posts or illegal activities involving our artists, such as IP infringement, please report them through the “HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Website (protect.hybecorp.com).” To ensure that fan reports are effectively used in legal actions, we recommend submitting full-screen screenshots from a PC or full-page print files (PDF) rather than mobile screenshots. Additionally, please ensure that the URL, username, content of the post, and date of the screenshot are clearly visible in your submission, as such information is critical for legal proceedings.
We deeply appreciate your unwavering love and support for BTS. BIGHIT MUSIC will continue to ensure that the rights of our artists are fully protected.
Thank you.”
