With the Shincheonji church in the negative spotlight in Korea right now due to their role in the spreading of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, a message began spreading on various online communities, reportedly a list of celebrities who were associated with the Shincheonji church. Two celebrities who were on the list — Lee Dong Wook and Ivy — have both come forward, deny any association with Shincheonji and threatening legal action against those who spread the rumors.
Lee Dong Wook’s agency, King Kong by Starship, released a statement through their Instagram account shortly after the rumors began to spread.
Hello, this is King Kong by Starship.
Recently we have been able to confirm that false rumors about our artist (Lee Dong Wook) are being spread, about him being involved in a special religious sect.
In relations to this, we plan on taking strict legal action against the source of these baseless rumors, malicious slander, and comments that are defaming our artist’s character. We will also be taking legal action against anyone who shows behavior of spreading or reproducing these rumors that deface our artist’s character and good image.
We will continue to actively monitor the situation so no further damage will happen. We will do our best to protect our artists by pursuing strict legal action without any settlements.
Thank you for loving and supporting our artists.
— King Kong by Starship
Ivy also responded to the rumors in a now-deleted Instagram post.
In times like this, more false rumors arise, which often overshadows the essentials. I can’t even laugh at the rumors because I am so dumbfounded by them. Be careful of the fake news. This is a world where the fake news have great influence.
— Ivy
