K-pop: IU takes strong legal action against 180 individuals

In a bold step to combat online harassment, EDAM Entertainment, the agency representing the famous singer and actress IU, announced significant progress in its legal actions against malicious commenters and toxic K-pop fans, known as “sasaeng fans.”

According to Korea Times, the agency revealed in an official statement on Monday that it had filed criminal complaints against 180 individuals involved in unlawful activities such as threats, defamation, and sexual harassment.

Collaborating with a law firm, the agency outlined its aggressive legal strategy, targeting crimes like the distribution of obscene content, spreading false plagiarism accusations, issuing death threats, and the creation and sharing of illegal deepfake materials. EDAM emphasized its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for these harmful actions, stating that it would continue to pursue further cases as investigations progress.

So far, the results have been mixed but significant. The agency revealed that six individuals had already been fined through summary indictments, while three others faced conditional suspensions of indictment and were required to undergo educational programs. In a high-profile cyberbullying case involving unfounded sexual harassment accusations and death threats against IU, prosecutors have requested a fine of 3 million Korean won (about $2,240). However, the accused has appealed the sentence, and a formal trial is expected.

EDAM also highlighted its ongoing legal action against a particularly persistent harasser. Prosecutors have opted for a formal trial in this case, noting the severity of the offenses. The agency named several individuals who spread false plagiarism accusations against IU last year, including one case involving an alumnus of IU’s middle school who continued to harass the singer online despite ongoing investigations.

Additionally, the agency has made efforts to combat online harassment that extends beyond South Korea. By collaborating with international authorities, EDAM has made progress in identifying offenders using overseas IP addresses to evade prosecution. One case from May of last year involved a false claim labeling IU as a spy. Despite swift identification of the suspect by police, the investigation has been delayed due to the suspect’s refusal to cooperate. The case has now been forwarded to the prosecution for further legal action.

EDAM Entertainment made it clear that it will not stop its fight against harassment and will continue to initiate legal proceedings against offenders in the future.

“There is no room for leniency in legal matters, and neither our agency nor IU will show any tolerance or settlement with these individuals,” the statement read. “We strongly urge people to immediately cease any unlawful activities on online platforms.”

With this firm stance, EDAM Entertainment is sending a clear message to malicious commenters and bullies: harmful actions toward public figures will have serious consequences.