IU takes legal action: over 180 individuals, including former classmates, sued for online harassment

Singer IU is actively responding to online criminal activity. 

On November 11th, her agency disclosed the current status of legal proceedings.

EDAM Entertainment detailed the legal measures taken over the past two years (2023-2024). The agency collaborated with a law firm to gather evidence of malicious posts targeting IU and filed lawsuits accordingly.

The agency focused on significant cases that met the criteria for criminal prosecution, including threats, insults, defamation (involving plagiarism accusations), death threats, privacy violations, sexual harassment, distribution of obscene materials, and the creation and distribution of deepfake content.

To date, over 180 individuals have been identified as defendants. The agency stated, “We are continuing to pursue additional legal action,” emphasizing that the process is ongoing.

According to IU’s representatives, there have been six cases resulting in fines (summary orders). Three cases received conditional non-prosecution with mandatory educational courses, and one case involved a conditional non-prosecution with probationary guidance.

The prosecution has noted that certain individuals engaged in cyberbullying showed particularly malicious intent, recommending fines of 3 million KRW for offenses such as spreading false information, defamation, sexual harassment, and death threats.

However, some defendants have contested the charges, leading to formal trials. IU’s team noted, “The prosecution considered these acts severe, and trial proceedings are currently underway.”

Additionally, continuous harassment by specific individuals has escalated to formal court hearings. The agency highlighted that personal information of overseas-based perpetrators had also been identified. This includes those who targeted IU with baseless plagiarism accusations around April and May of last year.

The agency further revealed, “Among them, there is an individual believed to be a former middle school classmate of IU who, despite ongoing legal action, continues to harass her.”

“For those using foreign IP addresses or residing abroad, we have sought the cooperation of relevant authorities,” the agency stated, adding that the investigation to track these individuals has made substantial progress.

One netizen accused of spreading false espionage claims about IU has completed a preliminary investigation. However, delays were caused by the suspect’s repeated refusal to appear before investigative authorities. The suspect has now been handed over to the prosecution and is awaiting further action.

EDAM Entertainment emphasized, “We have selected only the most serious cases of illegal activity and are pursuing criminal charges without leniency.” The agency warned that repeated offenses could result in increased penalties and noted, “We have documented and managed thousands of posts and comments that meet the criteria for defamation.”

The agency also disclosed a list of monitored online communities, including Nate Pann, Namuwiki, TheQoo, DC Inside (Drama Gallery/Male Celebrities Gallery), SoulDresser, Women’s Generation, Ygosu, Instiz, Ilgan Best, and MLB Park.

In closing, the agency expressed concern for the ongoing distress experienced by both IU and her fans due to malicious online content. “We will continue to respond strongly. It is time to put an end to illegal activities committed through online platforms,” they urged.

Meanwhile, the netizen who spearheaded accusations against IU failed to appear at the first hearing for the damages lawsuit held on July 24th at the Seoul Central District Court. The second hearing is scheduled for December 4th.