IU Sues Former Classmate For Online Harassment
IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, has taken legal action against multiple individuals for harassing the singer online.
On November 11, KST, EDAM released a statement mentioning that they had filed official complaints of severe cases of harassment that met the requirements to be considered criminal acts, such as threats against the artist, defamation through the dissemination of false information, unfounded accusations of plagiarism, death threats, and privacy violations, and the creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfake content, among others.
According to IU’s representatives, the agency has reported around 180 individuals and more complaints are being filed. So far, six cases of fine are under summary prosecution, while three cases of conditional suspensions of indictment with mandatory education and one case of conditional suspension with probation supervision have been issued as rulings or dispositions. Among these, one defendant who cyberbullied IU by spreading groundless false information about her online, leading to defamation and death threats, was fined ₩3.00 million KRW (about $2,140 USD). However, the defendant has challenged the ruling and filed for an appeal.
The agency revealed that one of those individuals reported for falsely accusing IU of plagiarism through an overseas server is believed to be the singer’s former classmate.
“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.”
— EDAM Entertainment
The accusations of plagiarism against IU amounted to a huge controversy last year, leading EDAM to strongly defend its artist.
In addition, the investigative authorities identified an individual who accused IU of espionage. The suspect reportedly refused multiple summonses from the authorities, but the case has now been forwarded to prosecution and awaits disposition.
EDAM Entertainment reaffirmed its position to continue pursuing legal action against individuals who make malicious posts against IU.
