IU’s Agency Takes Legal Action Against 180 Including Her Former Classmate – News18

Last Updated:November 12, 2024, 15:36 IST

The agency disclosed that around 180 individuals have been reported so far, with even more cases currently in process. Among the cases already handled, six have led to fines, three resulted in indictments with conditional education programs.

IU’s management, EDAM Entertainment, has intensified its stand against online harassment targeting the singer. As of now, IU’s agency has reportedly taken legal steps against multiple alleged perpetrators online. On November 11, EDAM Entertainment issued a statement outlining its latest actions. The agency shared that numerous complaints had been filed over extreme online harassment, which included behaviour serious enough to meet criminal criteria, like threats to IU’s safety, defamation through false rumours, baseless plagiarism accusations, death threats, breaches of her privacy and the distribution of AI-created deepfakes, among other violations.

The agency disclosed that around 180 individuals have been reported so far, with even more cases currently in process. Among the cases already handled, six have led to fines, three resulted in indictments with conditional education programs and one came with probation. In one notable instance, an individual who defamed IU online, spread untrue information, and even issued death threats was fined ₩3.00 million KRW (approximately $2,140 USD). The defendant has contested this penalty and has now filed for an appeal, reports Koreaboo.

EDAM Entertainment has also revealed that one of those reported for falsely accusing IU of plagiarism on an international platform is believed to be her former classmate from middle school.

“Among them, there is one individual who is presumed to be a middle school classmate of IU. Despite the ongoing case, it has been found that they continue to harass IU. So, we are responding,” stated EDAM Entertainment.

This is not the first time IU has faced severe accusations. Last year, rumours of plagiarism created a major public stir, pushing EDAM to issue a firm defence of their artist.

Adding to the list of alarming allegations, investigative authorities have identified another individual who bizarrely accused IU of espionage. Despite repeated summons, this individual avoided contact with authorities, but the case has finally advanced to prosecution and awaits final action, informs Koreaboo.

Accordign to a report by Allkpop, EDAM Entertainment, in its official statement, said, “We have selected only the most serious cases of illegal activity and are pursuing criminal charges without leniency. We have documented and managed thousands of posts and comments that meet the criteria for defamation.”