2 weeks Ago By [email protected](KoreaTimes)
Singer and actress IU / Coursey of EDAM Entertainment Singer's schoolmate among accused By KTimes EDAM Entertainment, the agency of singer and actress IU, announced Monday the current status of criminal complaints against malicious commenters. The company released an official statement, saying, "Our agency, in collaboration with a law firm, has filed complaints targeting those who have engaged in criminal acts, including threats, defamation, malicious false accusations of plagiarism, death threats, privacy violations, sexual harassment, distribution of obscene content, creation and distribution of illegal deepfake materials and other illegal activities." The agency has named a total of 180 individuals in complaints so far and continues to pursue additional cases.
“So far, the outcomes include six fines (summary indictments), three conditional suspensions of indictment with required education, and one conditional suspension of indictment with probation,” it said. EDAM highlighted a case in which IU was the target of cyberbullying involving unfounded rumors, sexual harassment and death threats, leading prosecutors to request a fine of 3 million won ($2,240). The accused is currently appealing this sentence, and a formal trial is pending.
For a particularly persistent harasser, prosecutors have requested a formal trial rather than a summary judgment, citing the severity of the offense. EDAM said that they identified several individuals who attempted to defame IU by spreading baseless plagiarism accusations in April and May of last year. Among these individuals is an alumnus of IU's middle school, who, despite ongoing investigations, has continued to harass her online.
EDAM said that it enlisted the help of relevant authorities to track down those using overseas IP addresses or residing abroad to evade legal action, with investigations making notable progress. IU's agency says it will pursue criminal charges for repeat offenders. Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment In another case from May last year, EDAM said that the police swiftly identified a suspect who spread false claims labeling IU as a spy.
However, the investigation has been prolonged due to the suspect’s repeated refusal to appear for questioning, and the case has now been forwarded to the prosecution for further action. "We are committed to pursuing criminal charges for severe offenses without forgiveness and will continue to seek maximum penalties for repeat offenders," the agency said. "Neither our agency nor IU will show any leniency or settlement with these offenders.
We strongly urge people to cease any unlawful activities on online platforms." This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times..
