BIGHIT MUSIC announces strict legal measures against illegal acts targeting BTS, including harassment and intellectual property violations.

BTS's (Bangtan Sonyeondan) agency has responded strictly to illegal acts against the members. BIGHIT MUSIC announced today (26th) the status of legal actions regarding BTS's rights infringements based on the first quarter. The agency stated that regarding the malicious posts and comments that have been systematically and repeatedly posted in online communities and social media, "In addition to utilizing a real-time monitoring system, we have significantly expanded our evidence collection system. Based on this, we are proceeding with necessary procedures for civil and criminal lawsuits, and we warn that even posts and comments that have already been deleted may be subject to punishment. Furthermore, we will take the maximum legal measures possible without any agreements or leniency." They added, "We are still collecting evidence regarding the spread of rumors and fake news about the artists' albums, performances, and content, as well as excessive malicious posts and organized comment postings, and we will pursue legal responsibility to the end. All expressions of blatant insult and violent expression, as well as cleverly conducted hateful expressions, malicious defamation, and contemptuous expressions aimed at avoiding punishment will also be included as subjects of prosecution. We will take strict legal measures against malicious acts that damage the artists' reputation and achievements and cause mental distress." The agency also continues to respond legally to illegal acts by unreasonable private fans (sasaengs: fans who chase after celebrities' private lives). The agency stated, "We are actively taking protective measures for the artists, including collecting evidence of stalking behavior such as attempts to approach near the artists' homes and reporting to the police in a 24-hour system. Even single acts of stalking may fall under the current law as violations of the Stalker Punishment Act and trespassing. In this regard, we are fully cooperating with requests from relevant investigative agencies for document submissions. Nevertheless, those who continue stalking behavior have recently been arrested and prosecuted on charges of violating the Stalker Punishment Act and trespassing, and the trial is currently ongoing. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that strict punishment is imposed on the perpetrators." They explained, "Unauthorized visits to the artists' residences, following, waiting and monitoring near their residences, and filming around their residences are all criminal acts that threaten the artists' private lives and safety, and the creation and dissemination of malicious postings and false facts regarding their private lives are also criminal acts that cause serious anxiety and stress to the artists. We have a policy of not recognizing any exceptions in responding to illegal acts that infringe on the artists' private lives." BIGHIT MUSIC is also taking active measures against BTS's intellectual property (IP) infringement. The agency stated, "In cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office, Customs, and special judicial police, we are continuously cracking down on illegal wholesalers of products, illegal products sold at concert venues, customs, and platforms selling illegal products online. Illegal products using the artists' IP not only constitute rights infringement in the act of production and sale itself but also pose a risk of financial damage to fans due to poor quality, non-refundable items, and delivery fraud. We ask fans to refrain from purchasing illegal products to prevent damage and protect the artists' IP." They called for fans to report any infringement cases to the "HYBE Artist Rights Infringement Reporting Site (https://protect.hybecorp.com)." They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all who support BTS and stated that they will continue to implement protective measures for the artists and take more proactive actions. Thank you. BIGHIT MUSIC.