Controversial Twitter Fan Gets Hit With Lawsuit From K-Pop Company

Fans of many groups were celebrating.
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Koreaboo

A well-known X (formerly known as Twitter) user, “Maki,” has found themselves at the center of a legal storm after PLAVE’s management company VLAST took action against them for harmful online behavior.

plave spotify
PLAVE | Spotify

The lawsuit accuses Maki of sharing personal information about the group’s members, posting defamatory content, and spreading malicious rumors. The case has drawn attention not only for its serious implications but also because the account has previously clashed with fans of other K-Pop groups, including NewJeans.

Fans of PLAVE weren’t the only ones applauding the lawsuit. Many NewJeans fans, who had also been targets of Maki’s controversial tweets, joined in celebrating what they see as overdue accountability.

According to VLAST, they filed their complaint against Maki in late July 2024. By August, investigators had identified the person behind the account, prompting Maki to deactivate their profile. Despite efforts to request leniency, the company has remained steadfast, insisting on strict legal consequences.

The agency has confirmed that the case has been forwarded to prosecutors with a recommendation for formal charges. They emphasized their zero-tolerance stance, explaining that this legal action is part of a broader effort to protect PLAVE and foster a positive fan culture.

For many in the online K-Pop community, this case represents a significant step forward in addressing toxic online fan culture and ensuring accountability for harmful actions.

Here is their full statement:

“VLAST (hereafter referred to as “the Company”) continues to monitor malicious comments, defamation of PLAVE members, the disclosure of their personal information, and the spreading of baseless rumors about the Company. We carefully review the cases reported by fans and take strict legal action accordingly.

We would like to provide an update on the ongoing legal actions regarding malicious defamation and slander against PLAVE.

1. Progress of Legal Actions
At the end of July 2024, the Company filed a complaint against a user of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), identified as “Maki,” for their malicious posts involving the disclosure of personal information and defamation against PLAVE. By the end of August 2024, “Maki” was identified, and the investigating officer issued a summons for questioning. Subsequently, “Maki” deactivated their X account.

After this, “Maki” requested leniency from the Company. However, we firmly demanded the authorities enforce the law to the fullest extent, and the case has since been forwarded to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment by the investigating police department.

The Company is responding to this case with a zero-tolerance policy and will rigorously pursue all legal measures, including criminal penalties and civil claims for damages. This is not merely a response to one specific incident but a broader effort to eradicate malicious acts targeting our artists and foster a healthy fan culture.

2. A Message to Our Fans
In Korea, there are limited precedents or investigative cases involving virtual idols, which has caused this case to progress slower than usual. Nevertheless, we are fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of the members of PLAVE and safeguarding the love and support you all provide to them.

We ask for your continued cooperation in creating a healthy and positive environment for PLAVE to thrive in both health and happiness. If you witness malicious slander, defamation, or the spreading of false information, please report it to us using the form below.

Thank you once again for your unwavering love and support.”

— VLAST

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