THE BOYZ’s Agency Releases Statement Following Numerous Invasions Of Privacy Including A Vehicle Tracker

IST Entertainment has released a statement addressing the invasions of privacy THE BOYZ have recently suffered.

On November 14, it was first revealed that Sunwoo and a staff member had been assaulted by a sasaeng fan hiding inside the group’s dorm.

THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo And Staff Assaulted By Saesang Fan Inside Dorm

The company also revealed that other invasions of privacy had occurred, including a tracker being placed on a vehicle.

There have been repeated incidents of unauthorized visits to locations related to the artist’s private life, such as our company building, shops, and their residence; attending unofficial schedules; spreading malicious rumors; taking photos and videos by excessively approaching the members’ paths during airport arrivals and departures, even on flights; following their vehicles; and illegally obtaining personal information to make contact. These illegal acts are causing severe mental and material harm to not only the artist but also their family, friends, and people around them.

— IST Entertainment

The same day, the company released an official statement on the group’s X account, addressing these invasions of privacy.

“Hello,
This is IST Entertainment.

First of all, we would like to thank the many fans who send continuous support and love to our artists.

Recently, there have been ongoing incidents involving behaviors that invade the privacy and threaten the safety of our artists, so we would like to inform you of our official stance on this matter.

Various actions, such as unauthorized visits to the artists’ private spaces like their dorms, visits to locations not open to the public, unauthorized attendance at private schedules, spreading malicious rumors, leaking personal information, taking photos and videos of members without permission, following them persistently—including on flights and at airports, attempting to obtain personal information through illegal means, and trying to contact them without consent, have been continuously occurring. Such actions have been causing significant psychological distress to our artists, their families, and those around them.

In particular, on the 9th of this month, there was an incident where a sasaeng fan followed member Sunwoo as he got off the elevator to enter his dorm. The sasaeng was hiding in the stairwell before approaching him. Sunwoo, feeling threatened by the incident, reported it to a staff member who immediately reported the incident to security personnel and responded firmly. In the process of holding the sasaeng to hand over to the police, there were physical assaults. The sasaeng is now arrested and under investigation for the charges of trespassing and assault.

Sunwoo and all staff involved in the incident visited the hospital right after the incident. We are prioritizing the artist’s health and stability, checking his well-being regularly. We are monitoring the situation closely, taking preventive and necessary measures.

Additionally, there have been recent incidents of a tracker being found on one of the vehicles used by the artist, or even cases of scratches or intentional damages to the artist’s car tires. All these incidents have been confirmed, and we are currently in the process of cooperating with law enforcement to prevent further damages, including reviewing CCTV footage and additional evidence gathering.

These actions are seen as serious violations of privacy and are causing significant psychological harm to the artists. We intend to respond with strict legal action without leniency against any illegal actions that cross boundaries.

To protect the rights of our artists, we are currently gathering evidence and planning to take strong legal action, such as filing complaints if such behaviors continue. We once again request your cooperation in preventing further incidents.

Thank you.”

— IST Entertainment

Meanwhile, THE BOYZ made their comeback on October 28 with “Trigger.”