Some online users who targeted singer IU with malicious rumors and defamatory posts were reported to have received penalties such as fines. The agency said it filed additional complaints against those who continued to post after the initial complaint and noted it will maintain a hard-line legal response going forward.
EDAM Entertainment said on the 11th via its official social media that it "pursued criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against a total of 96 people last year through its legal representative." According to the agency, the rulings and dispositions confirmed to date include seven fines, one fine with an order to complete a sex offense treatment program, three suspended indictments conditional on education completion, and one suspended prison sentence with probation.
The agency said, "When malicious posts continued even after one round of complaint procedures, additional complaints were filed," adding, "For these individuals, formal trials proceeded rather than summary orders."
The agency said a court fined a person who spread the false rumor of a "spy theory" about IU. It also said that in a lawsuit seeking damages for emotional distress against a person who raised false plagiarism allegations on the overseas site X (formerly Twitter) and even filed a complaint for violating the Copyright Act, the full claim amount of 30 million won was awarded.
There was also a case in which a suspended sentence was handed down for repeatedly spreading rumors. The agency said, "A person who repeatedly spread false claims about involvement in a serious crime and about nationality and identity, and who posted sexually harassing content, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years."
The agency said that in addition to malicious online posts, there have recently been multiple cases in which police investigations were launched into illegal acts such as visiting IU's home, her family's residence, and areas near the company to threaten personal safety or demand money. It added, "We will respond firmly, including filing criminal complaints without leniency, against all acts that threaten the artist's safety," and urged, "Refrain from approaching or visiting the artist, family, or associates."