PLAVE has become one of these Kpop boy bands that have achieved tens of milestones in a short period. However, the K-Netizens found themselves in confusion because of PLAVE becoming the first virtual Kpop band, reminiscent of Gorillaz, a virtual British band.
One detractor of the boyband named as “B” uploaded several posts and videos insulting PLAVE while also raising accusations regarding the identities of the real-life individuals behind the virtual idol group members in 2024. The 5 members of PLAVE filed a lawsuit against B through their agency, but what happened?
On May 14 KST, Jang Yoo Jin of the Uijeongbu District Court concluded that “B” was guilty of insulting the 5 members of the virtual Kpop band. He even stated that it constituted a “violation of human rights” and ordered “B” to pay each of the members around 73 USD as compensation for the damages, and clear the air about the legal action against malicious comments to virtual characters.
“The use of avatars in the age of the metaverse may be considered another means for users of technology to express themselves and communicate with others. In that sense, insulting the avatars may be seen as equivalent to insulting the actual user behind the avatar.”
