K-pop labels take legal action against internet trolls to protect their stars against defamation

“To date, we have mostly avoided taking legal action, because we thought offensive and slanderous remarks were something that our much-loved artists should tolerate to some degree,” the company said. “But now the situation has reached an unbearable point …

“Too many people are spreading groundless rumours about our singers, libelling them and even sexually harassing them. So we filed a complaint against some internet trolls for violating the laws concerning defamation, slander and obstruction of business.”

It added that it would continue to fight online trolls if they continued to cross the line.
“We also welcome fans’ reports about problematic online comments,” it said.

Hybe, the record label behind K-pop juggernaut BTS, has also been taking a hard line against internet trolls. In June, it released a statement saying it had filed complaints with police against people who had made “socially unacceptable comments” about its stars, and that it would seek to hold them legally accountable without settlements or clemency.

“We also reported unlogged users and those who later deleted their comments to cover their tracks,” the company said. “We will take stronger action against those who have attempted to conceal evidence.”

To prevent cyberbullying and protect the mental health of celebrities, Korea’s two most popular search engines, Naver and Daum, removed comment sections for entertainment and sports news last year.

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