Paul Christian Ocampo

BTS label BigHit Music takes legal action to protect group from malicious attacks and privacy violations

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>BigHit Music gave an update on the status of its legal actions to protect global K-pop group BTS against malicious attacks and privacy violations. This comes just days after its members – RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook successfully reunited for a free concert in Seoul following the release of their latest album <em>Arirang.</em> </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/3/21/bts-s-new-song-body-to-body-doubles-as-lifesaving-beat-for-hands-only-cpr-1922" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: BTS’s new song &#x27;Body to Body&#x27; doubles as lifesaving beat for hands-only CPR</strong></a></div><p>On March 26, BigHit Music issued its “Update Notice on Legal Proceedings Against Violation of Artist Rights” as of the first quarter of 2026 through Weverse, outlining intensified measures against malicious online activity targeting the seven-member group.  </p><p>“In the first quarter of this year, we have initiated legal action against the authors of malicious posts about our artists,” the record label said, noting that these individuals were identified through fan reports and internal monitoring across multiple domestic online communities, music sites, and international social media channels.  </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUjZIYk-Vi/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A9956375.399999857%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="882" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>BIGHIT revealed that legal consequences have already been imposed on several offenders. “Multiple defendants have been found guilty of insult and defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, and each has been sentenced to a fine,” the statement read, emphasizing that “using defamatory or insulting language against our artists and creating and spreading rumors based on false facts are all acts that infringe upon the rights of artists.” </p><p>The label also raised alarm over what it described as coordinated attacks online, citing the online community “TheQoo.”  </p><p>“We are aware of recent organized activities involving the simultaneous posting of malicious content and the generation of negative comments about our artists across multiple online communities and social media platforms,” it said, adding that it has expanded its monitoring systems and manpower to gather evidence. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2026/3/22/bts-comeback-concert-sets-record-for-largest-public-crowd-of-the-decade-in-gwanghwamun-seoul-1241" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: BTS comeback concert sets record for largest public crowd of the decade in Gwanghwamun, Seoul</strong></a></div><p>In a strong warning, the company stressed that even deleted content will not escape accountability. “We warn that even posts or comments that have already been deleted may still be subject to punishment. In this regard, we will take the maximum legal action possible without any settlement or leniency.” </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-8" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWLYZsnkd3W/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A8%2C%22os%22%3A9956981.599999905%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="543" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-8" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“All actions, including explicit insults or violent expressions, as well as hate speech, malicious slander, and derogatory remarks intended to cunningly evade punishment, are fully included among the subjects of our legal complaints. We will take strict legal action against malicious acts that tarnish our artists’ reputation and achievements and inflict mental distress upon them,” the statement added.  </p><p>Beyond online abuse, BigHit Music underscored serious concerns over privacy violations and stalking incidents near the artists’ residences. The agency said it has implemented round-the-clock surveillance and immediate reporting systems to authorities. </p><p>“Even if a stalking incident is a one-time occurrence, the perpetrator may be punished under current laws for violating the Act on Punishment of Crime of Stalking and for trespassing,” it stated, revealing that a repeat offender had already been arrested and brought to trial. “We will take all necessary measures to ensure that the perpetrator receives a severe punishment.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/1/25/bts-v-and-jungkook-win-3-4-million-in-legal-case-against-a-youtube-channel-operator-1522" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: BTS’ V and Jungkook win ₱3.4 million in legal case against a YouTube channel operator</strong></a></div><p>The label reiterated that invasive actions such as unauthorized visits, following artists, or filming their homes are not only illegal but also deeply distressing. “We maintain a zero-tolerance policy to illegal acts that infringe on our artists’ privacy. We also request cooperation from fans so that their support for our artists can lead to a mature fan culture.” </p><p>BigHit Music also turned its attention to the protection of BTS’s intellectual property, noting ongoing crackdowns on counterfeit merchandise in collaboration with the Ministry of Intellectual Property, the Korea Customs Service, and special judicial police officers. </p><p>“Illegal products using an artist’s IP not only infringe on the artist’s rights by the very act of production and sale, but also pose a high risk of financial damage to fans purchasing such illegal products, due to issues such as poor quality, inability to receive refunds, and shipping fraud. </p><p>“We ask that you avoid purchasing illegal products whenever possible in order to protect our artists’ IP and prevent harm to fans.” </p><p>The label further disclosed that it is now considering legal action against certain online communities that have failed to curb repeated malicious posts despite prior warnings. </p><p>Closing its statement, BigHit Music expressed gratitude to fans while reaffirming its commitment “to implement protective measures for our artists and take more proactive measures to protect them.”</p>

<p>BigHit Music released a detailed update on its ongoing legal efforts to protect BTS from online abuse, stalking, and intellectual property violations, vowing 'maximum legal action' without leniency against offenders. </p>

BigHit Music released a detailed update on its ongoing legal efforts to protect BTS from online abuse, stalking, and intellectual property violations, vowing 'maximum legal action' without leniency against offenders.