BTS has announced legal action over a surge of malicious posts and coordinated hate, with their label vowing zero settlements or leniency.
On the 26th, their label BIGHIT MUSIC issued an official statement on the global fan platform Weverse under the notice titled "Update on Legal Action Regarding Infringement of Artist Rights."
The company stated, "This quarter as well, we have been monitoring artist-related posts across domestic communities, music platforms, and overseas social media channels, and based on tips from fans, we filed criminal complaints against the authors of malicious posts."
They continued, "Building on our past complaints, multiple suspects have been found guilty of insult and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and were each fined," adding, "Slandering and using insulting expressions toward the artist, as well as creating or spreading rumors based on false information, all constitute infringements of the artist’s rights."
In particular, they warned, "We have identified patterns and organized activity across numerous communities and social media platforms that post similar malicious content about BTS and mass-produce negative comments. We will pursue the most aggressive legal action possible without any settlements or leniency."
Furthermore, the label said it is "reviewing legal action against specific communities themselves that continue to allow the repeated posting of malicious posts and comments targeting the artist."
The statement also addressed privacy invasions and stalking at BTS members’ residences, as well as intensified enforcement against infringements of the artist’s IP (intellectual property).
Meanwhile, on the 20th, BTS made a comeback with their fifth full-length album, 'ARIRANG'.