BTS agency takes legal action against those who ‘sent packages to artists’ homes’, caused harm to their families
BTS members Jin, Suga and J-Hope are currently serving in the military. RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook will follow them soon.
BTS agency BigHit Music has said that it has taken action against those who "repeatedly sent mails and packages to the artists’ residences, even causing harm to the artists’ families". Taking to Weverse on Wednesday issued a long statement informing fans that they have filed criminal complaints, a court has issued an interim restraining order and an investigation is underway against those people. BTS comprises of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. (Also Read | BTS' agency to share RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook's military enlistment plans)
BigHit Music talks about taking legal proceedings
The statement read, "Hello. This is BigHit Music. Our company regularly initiates legal proceedings against perpetrators of malicious activities related to BTS, including defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, the spread of groundless information, and ill-intentioned criticism. We would like to provide an update on these important activities. During this quarter, we filed multiple criminal complaints with law enforcement agencies based on evidence related to acts infringing on the rights of the artists, including defamation, submitted by our fans as well as collected through our own monitoring."
Some people tried to cause harm to BTS’ families
It also said, "In particular, we gathered ongoing evidence regarding individuals who repeatedly sent mails and packages to the artists’ residences, even causing harm to the artists’ families, and filed criminal complaints against them on charges of violating laws regarding stalking crimes (Act on Punishment of Crime of Stalking). The court has issued an interim restraining order, and a prosecutor's investigation is underway. We remain committed to an upcompromising, zero-tolerance policy in addressing stalking crimes that infringe on the privacy and safety of our artists."
BigHit Music talks about ‘personal attacks, defamation’ against BTS
"A decision was handed down in the second quarter of 2022 declaring a non-suit and halting the investigations against some of the suspects, and we filed objections and requested reinvestigation of these cases. As a result, through prosecution referrals, the suspects were ultimately found guilty of personal attacks and defamation against the artists, and legal penalties were imposed," the statement continued.
BigHit Music also talks about legal action against an individual
"Furthermore, among the defendants in this round of legal actions, there was an individual who repeatedly posted violent and offensive abusive comments on portal site news sections. This individual regularly engaged in dozens of cases of high-intensity malicious commenting across various articles. We have compiled all verified comments and filed criminal complaints against the individual," the agency informed BTS fans.
Agency is ‘committed to eliminate illegal activities’
"BigHit Music regularly collects information on malicious postings regarding BTS, reports them to the authorities, and takes legal action. We would like to inform you that we are taking strong measures against malicious postings related to all members, including the members who are currently fulfilling their military service. Our company is committed to ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal activities against our artists, even if it takes time. We will continue to adhere to strict measures and our policy of no settlement and no leniency to hold suspects accountable," it further added.
BigHit Music praises BTS fans
"We ask that our fans make continued use of our legal affairs hotline (protect@bighitmusic.co.kr) to report any cases of abuse. We are always grateful for the affection and dedication shown by the fans of BTS. BigHit Music will continue to work to ensure that the rights of our artists are fully protected. Thank you," concluded the statement.
