EDAM Entertainment Responds To Allegations That IU Was Reported To The Police For Plagiarism
Recently, an unknown individual reported singer IU to the police for allegedly plagiarizing other artists.
Multiple IU songs were accused of copying Korean and overseas artists, including “The Red Shoes,” “Good Day,” “Bbibbi,” “Pitiful,” “Celebrity,” and “Boo.” The accuser claimed that the songs were very similar to their alleged “original” counterparts in melody, rhythm, and chord progressions. They pointed out the plagiarism at the beginning of the songs, which sets the tone of the song and grabs listeners’ attention.
IU’s agency, EDAM Entertainment, responded to the allegations in a public statement. They acknowledged that they are aware of what is happening and that they saw the malicious posts a few months ago.
We are aware of the fact that there are posts on suspected plagiarism based on false facts and groundless rumors distributed in online communities, SNS, YouTube, etc. We confirmed that a number of online communities and Naver cafes had posted serious malicious posts several times since a few months ago.
— EDAM Entertainment
They also clarified that these malicious posts affect not only IU but also those around her and that they can no longer tolerate this.
In addition, those who continuously spread distorted false information are not only inflicting verbal and mental violence and great damage to the artists, but also to the agency’s staff members, the company, and acquaintances. We fully recognize the seriousness of the situation and have determined that we can no longer ignore or remain silent about actions that cause inconvenience.
— EDAM Entertainment
EDAM Entertainment will take legal action against anyone who repeatedly participates in these criminal acts.
We will take strong legal action without exceptions in the event of repeatedly posting malicious posts such as defamation, slander, or reproduction of false information.
— EDAM Entertainment
This is the full statement from EDAM Entertainment.
Hello, this is EDAM Entertainment.
We would like to express our gratitude to the fans who always give endless support and love to our artist, IU.
Regarding IU, we are aware of the fact that there are posts on suspected plagiarism based on false facts and groundless rumors distributed in online communities, SNS, YouTube, etc. We confirmed that a number of online communities and Naver cafes had posted serious malicious posts several times since a few months ago.
Based on the evidence of plagiarism, rumors, sexual harassment, defamation, spreading false information, and invasion of privacy, we have filed a complaint with the investigative authorities through the law firm’s identity. While we were waiting for progress updates from the investigative authorities, we saw articles in the media today that said our artist was reported to the police for alleged plagiarism.
In this regard, we have not been officially contacted by the investigative authorities yet, and we heard about the accusation for the first time through the articles. We would like to inform you that the contents of the complaints mentioned in the press have not yet been confirmed, and we are in the process of trying to understand the contents.
In addition, those who continuously spread distorted false information are not only inflicting verbal and mental violence and great damage to the artists, but also to the agency’s staff members, their business, and acquaintances. We fully recognize the seriousness of the situation and have determined that we can no longer ignore or remain silent about actions that cause inconvenience.
We would like to emphasize that disseminating false information without basis as if it were true and damaging the reputation of an artist through malicious content is clearly an illegal act and is subject to legal action. We will take strong legal action without exceptions in the event of repeatedly posting malicious posts such as defamation, slander, or reproduction of false information.
In addition to this, we are regularly collecting malicious posts and carrying out legal responses in regard to our artists. Due to the request of investigative agencies, it is difficult to disclose the specific process and progress of the situation, but we want to reiterate that we are more aware of the seriousness of the situation than ever, as we have been receiving large numbers of reports of malicious posts and collecting additional information for several months.
We emphasize that we will do our best to track down and protect the rights of our artists by vigorously responding without any compromise or agreement to those who post malicious content. We also want to reiterate that we will continue to take strong legal action against any crimes related to false accusations or third-party harm based on false information.
Furthermore, we will continue to take legal action by actively collecting and supplementing evidence of malicious posts and conducting self-monitoring. Therefore, if fans discover any criminal acts like malicious posts and rumors that violate our artists’ personal rights, please report them to our official email.
Lastly, EDAM Entertainment will strive to ensure that IU and UAENA walk together on a path of happiness and shine together for a long time. Thank you.
