On Monday November 11, 2024, the agency that houses solo singer IU, EDAM Entertainment revealed details regarding the development of the legal action they have taken since 2023, regarding malicious comments that dragged their artist's name online.
Quoting from Allkpop, the agency focuses on certain cases that meet the criteria for criminal prosecution. Including, threats, insults, defamation (including allegations of plagiarism), death threats, invasion of privacy, sexual harassment, distribution of obscene material, and the creation and distribution of deepfake content.
Until now, around 180 people have been named as defendants. They further stated that 6 cases ended up being settled with fines, 3 cases received conditional deferrals of prosecution with mandatory education courses, and 1 case involved conditional deferral of prosecution with probation guidance.
Prosecutors noted that an individual involved in online bullying showed extremely malicious intent, and was fined 3 million KRW for offenses such as spreading false information, defamation, sexual harassment, and death threats.
However, some defendants have denied the charges and have continued the charges to formal trials, and the trial process is currently ongoing. Meanwhile, malicious comments by certain individuals have been forwarded to formal court hearings. The agency said that information about perpetrators based overseas has also been identified.
This case includes those who targeted IU with baseless accusations of plagiarism around April and May of last year. The agency further revealed that among the perpetrators of the online crime was someone who was IU's former classmate in middle school.
Despite being in the process of being sued, he continued to harass the actress. For perpetrators who use IP with foreign addresses or live abroad, the agency has coordinated with the relevant authorities. The tracking process is also progressing.
A netizen accused of spreading false espionage claims about IU has completed the initial investigation. However, delays were caused by the suspect's repeated refusal to appear before investigative authorities.
The suspect has now been handed over to prosecutors and is awaiting further action. Meanwhile, a netizen who spearheaded the accusations against IU did not attend the first hearing of the damages lawsuit held on July 24 at the Seoul Central District Court. The second hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2024.
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