The group BTS has filed complaints against individuals who have invaded their members' privacy and impersonated them. The company has expressed its intention to take strict measures without any leniency.
On the 29th, Big Hit Music announced through BTS's official fan community that they are actively taking legal action against acts that infringe upon the artists' rights, including defamation, insult, sexual harassment, spreading false information, and malicious slander. Despite all members currently serving in the military, the company affirmed its commitment to continuous legal action without any hiatus.
Big Hit Music stated, "We regularly take legal action against creators of malicious posts about BTS. This quarter, based on fans' reports and our monitoring, we've collected evidence of insult, defamation, and other acts that infringe on the artists' rights and submitted several complaints to the investigative authorities."
They continued, "Regarding the sasaeng (over-obsessive fans) we previously reported to be charged under the Stalking Punishment Law, the prosecution has resulted in criminal punishment. Considering the seriousness of actions by sasaengs that threaten the artists' safety and privacy, we also submitted a petition for stricter punishment. Additionally, we have reported to the police and investigations are underway for a sasaeng who repeatedly visited the artists' residences, as reported in the media, under charges of violation of the Stalking Punishment Law and trespassing."
Big Hit Music has filed complaints under the 'Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes' against sasaengs who sent multiple mail and parcels to BTS members' homes, causing distress even to their families. The prosecution has resulted in criminal punishment. Police are currently investigating another sasaeng whose offenses, including trespassing, have been revealed.
Moreover, Big Hit Music added, "For individuals impersonating BTS members and leaking unreleased music, we've secured additional criminal facts beyond the existing offenses. We proceeded with additional criminal complaints against the impersonators, leading to their indictment and custody, and now await the court's sentencing."
Regarding malicious rumors with apparent ill intentions, they said, "We've compiled numerous malicious posts involving defamation and the spread of false information into our complaints. We are taking legal actions, both civil and criminal, based on a zero-tolerance principle against malicious rumors that harm the artists' reputation."
After lengthy police investigations, the identity of individuals repeatedly specifying false and insultingly malicious comments on Nate Pann and Naver has been determined. The company stated, "Although the suspects have approached us for a settlement, we are determined to seek punishment and will hold them legally responsible to the end."
Especially, Big Hit Music emphasized that they will continue legal responses to protect BTS members during their military service period. They reiterated, "We will take strong and stern measures against the suspects without any settlement or leniency."
All BTS members, with RM and V enlisting on the 11th and Jimin and Jungkook on the 12th, are currently serving in the military.
Below is the full official statement from Big Hit Music:
Hello, This is Big Hit Music.
We are regularly taking legal actions against creators of malicious posts about BTS. Here are the key developments.
This quarter, we've submitted several complaints to investigative authorities based on the evidence we collected through fans' reports and our monitoring that involves insult, defamation, and other acts infringing on the artists' rights.
Regarding the sasaeng charged under the Stalking Punishment Law as notified in the previous announcement, the prosecution has resulted in criminal punishment. Considering the seriousness of sasaeng actions that threaten the artists' safety and privacy, we submitted a petition for stricter punishment. Furthermore, investigations are underway for a sasaeng who repeatedly visited the artists' residences under charges of Stalking Punishment Law violation and trespassing.
For individuals impersonating BTS members and leaking unreleased music, we've secured additional criminal facts. We proceeded with additional criminal complaints, leading to their indictment and custody, and now await the court's sentencing.
We've also included numerous malicious posts involving defamation and the spread of false information in our complaints. We are taking legal actions, both civil and criminal, against malicious rumors that harm the artists' reputation based on a zero-tolerance principle.
After lengthy police investigations, the identity of individuals repeatedly specifying false and insultingly malicious comments on Nate Pann and Naver has been determined. Although the suspects have approached us for a settlement, we are determined to seek punishment and will hold them legally responsible to the end.
We will continue to collect and report malicious posts about BTS and take legal actions without any hiatus during the members' military service period. We will take strong and stern measures against the suspects without any settlement or leniency.
We ask for your active reports through Big Hit Music's legal response account (protect@bighitmusic.co.kr).
We are always thankful for the love and dedication of BTS fans. Big Hit Music will continue to strive for the protection of our artists' rights.
