IVE's agency has declared a strong response against online defamation activities aimed at the group.

On July 25, Starship Entertainment, the agency managing K-pop group IVE, stated, "We are sternly dealing with the ongoing distribution of malevolent slander, false information, personal attacks, and defamation posts related to our artists on online and social media platforms."

Continuing, they explained, "Since October 2022, we've been prosecuting chronic trolls, leading to sentences of up to six months in prison, employment restrictions, and listing on sex offender sites. From November 2022, we have been proceeding with civil and international lawsuits against a notorious anti-fan club."

The anti-fan club in question has indiscriminately fabricated false rumors about IVE, specifically member Jang Wonyoung. The club operator, Mr. Park, has been responsible for spreading baseless rumors such as Wonyoung dating BIGBANG's G-Dragon, drinking milk solely for commercial reasons, and even forcing another member out of IVE due to jealousy.

Starship stated, "In May, we received a court order from the U.S District Court for the Northern District of California and managed to gather significant information about the anti-fan club operator from Google's U.S headquarters in July. However, coincidentally, right after Google notified the anti-fan club operator about the disclosure order, the club's channel and videos were deleted under the guise of a 'hack,' and an apology notice was posted."

The anti-fan club operator, Mr. Park, did apologize in June saying, "I am well aware of the malicious content I posted from the first video until the channel was hacked. I admit that I was an attention seeker." He expressed regret, especially towards idols and actors featured in his videos, apologizing for exaggerating and fabricating details from various internet sources to cause mental distress. He also apologized specifically to Jang Wonyoung.

Mr. Park further stated, "I'm not trying to avoid being sued or compensating for damages from the agencies and celebrities. I'm ready to accept being sued." Despite the hacking incident and subsequent channel deletion, he promised to create a new channel and produce content that would have a positive impact.

Afterwards, Mr. Park did establish a channel called "Fan Admission Center" and continued his activities. However, Starship emphasized, "It is a well-known fact that the anti-fan club has been continuously spreading false information about IVE members, causing serious defamation and disrupting our business operations. Regardless of the sincerity or validity of the anti-fan club's apology, we will continue with the ongoing lawsuit and hold them responsible for their past illegal activities."

They also stressed, "We are in the process of confirming additional personal information about the operators of these online hate groups. Although there have been cases where legal action was taken but subsequently halted due to unsuccessful identity verification, this time we have taken measures to significantly identify the operators. Through this, we aim to hold accountable the operators of these cyber hate groups, including the anti-fan club."

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