K-pop sensation IU has informed through her agency that she is actively responding to the spread of malicious posts and rumors.

EDAM Entertainment, IU's agency, disclosed on August 7, "We have been updated on the progress of the criminal complaints for 2023 Q1, Q2, and Q3 which were filed against those spreading malevolent rumors and defamation towards IU. On the 2nd, another online post surfaced, accusing IU of espionage. We instantly recognized the unrepentant attitude of the defendant and the severity of the issue."

The agency continued, "Regarding those who claimed IU is a spy and spread clear falsehoods both online and offline, we filed a complaint with the Songpa Police Station in Seoul on May 4th for defamation by the spread of false information. On May 18th, further testimonies were given, providing decisive clues to identify the accused. Consequently, investigators were able to identify the defendant in a short period. As of today, nearly three months after the filing of the complaint, the defendant has refused to cooperate with the investigation, causing difficulties for the lead investigator. Legal representatives are urging for a prompt investigation through the submission of additional evidence and opinions."

Moreover, "On May 10th, we came across media reports stating that the artist has infringed the copyrights of six musical pieces and was alleged to have violated copyright law. Immediately that day, we requested disclosure of the complaint details, and by May 12th, secured a copy to grasp the nature and content of the accusations. On May 15th, we submitted legal opinions strongly asserting that this case lacked legal grounds and urged for a swift resolution. Furthermore, on July 20th and 28th, additional legal opinions were submitted to reiterate the lack of legal basis for this complaint. Currently, we are awaiting the decision of the investigative agencies."

EDAM Entertainment also shared, "On February 21st, we consistently observed posts alleging plagiarism by the artist, damaging her reputation. By February 28th, we had collated all evidence and preliminarily identified culprits based on over 1700 pieces of evidence. Subsequently, on March 20th, we filed a complaint against the finally selected 58 individuals for defamation due to false reports to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul." The agency added, "On March 3rd, 61 individuals who posted derogatory remarks about the artist online and produced and distributed obscene materials were sued for defamation at the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul. The complaint process includes supplemental testimonies and currently, a warrant application is in progress to confirm the identities of these defendants."

Lastly, EDAM Entertainment stated, "Given that the defendants are scattered both domestically and internationally and their numbers are vast, it's anticipated that reaching a final resolution might take some time. Especially due to the sharp increase in cyber defamation cases, there's a backlog at both investigative agencies and courts, making swift investigations practically challenging." The agency emphasized, "Even if it takes time, in order to prevent recurrence, we will pursue the defendants and ensure they are held legally accountable to the end."

◆ Official Statement from EDAM Entertainment 

Greetings from EDAM Entertainment.

We would like to inform you about the progress of the criminal lawsuits we filed in the first, second, and third quarters of 2023 against individuals who have maliciously spread rumors and defamatory remarks about our artist, IU (Real Name: Lee Ji-eun). This update comes to us through our legal representatives at the law firm Shinwon.

We immediately recognized the severity and the unrepentant attitude of the accused upon spotting a post titled 'Spy Leaflets' in an online community two days ago. Below, we'll share the updates on this matter as well as other ongoing legal actions, which many of you may be curious about.

Out of cooperation for the confidentiality of the investigations, please understand that we cannot disclose specific case numbers, usernames, or detailed information.

Spy Leaflets Incident

Accusations both online and offline falsely claimed our artist to be a spy. In response, we filed a complaint for defamation due to false information at the Songpa Police Station in Seoul on May 4th. By May 18th, we provided decisive evidence during supplementary statements through our representative, helping the investigator identify the accused promptly. However, almost three months have passed since our complaint, and the accused continues to refuse cooperation with the investigation. Consequently, our legal team is urging a swift investigation, providing additional evidence and statements.

Regarding a leaflet posted on a building in Ulsan, which appeared online two days ago and seems to have been made by the same individual, we have confirmed that it cannot be removed by the police or anyone else without permission. We are seeking legal means to fundamentally prevent such actions.

Artist's Copyright Violation Accusation

On May 10, we became aware of a media report stating a complaint was filed against our artist at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, accusing her of violating the copyrights of six musical works. We immediately requested and obtained a copy of this complaint on May 12th. By May 15th, our legal team strongly argued that the complaint lacks legal basis and urged for its swift resolution. Further statements were provided on July 20th and 28th, reiterating the lack of legal grounds for this complaint. We are currently waiting for the agency's decision.

Plagiarism Rumor Spreader Lawsuit

On February 21, we continuously monitored posts falsely accusing our artist of plagiarism. By February 28th, we had gathered evidence from over 1,700 sources and initially selected potential defendants. On March 20th, we filed a complaint against 58 individuals for defamation due to false information at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul.

Supplementary statements from the plaintiffs were made on April 21st and June 26th. On July 31st, we provided additional evidence identifying a defendant who seems to have consistently posted defamatory comments about our artist. As numerous defendants are involved, we have verified that there are plans to apply for warrants to secure their personal details.

Malicious Comment Cases

On March 3, we filed a complaint against 61 individuals at the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul for posting derogatory remarks about our artist and for creating and distributing explicit content. Additional statements were made subsequently. Currently, we are in the process of obtaining arrest warrants for these individuals.

On March 6, we filed another complaint at the same police station against 60 individuals for creating and posting explicit content targeting our artist. This case is also in progress, with efforts underway to secure the personal details of the accused.

On July 7, we filed a complaint against 21 individuals at the Songpa Police Station in Seoul for posting derogatory remarks about our artist. By July 21st, additional statements were made to accuse 11 more individuals.

Given that the defendants in the aforementioned cases are scattered both domestically and internationally, and due to the sheer number involved, final decisions might take some time. The rising number of cyber defamation cases has led to backlogs at both investigative agencies and courts, which unfortunately hampers speedy investigations. Regardless of the time it takes, we are committed to ensuring that all defendants are held legally accountable to prevent recurrence.

We are continuously filing criminal complaints to protect the rights of our artist from unwarranted personal attacks. Further lawsuits are being prepared. We will intensify our internal monitoring of malicious posts and establish a more systematic approach.

In conclusion, EDAM Entertainment will do its utmost to protect our artists.

Thank you.

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