"IU is a Spy"… The Fate of the Absurd Rumor Spreader
Singer IU faced the law after an internet user spread baseless falsehoods, including the 'spy rumor'. IU's agency, Edam Entertainment, detailed the legal consequences for those who defamed the artist through their official channel on the 11th.
According to the agency, the court imposed a fine of 5 million won on the perpetrator who was sued for continuously spreading false claims that IU was a spy since 2023 on online communities. This is interpreted as a stern warning from the judiciary against the production of malicious rumors.
"There is no mercy for trolls"… Prison Sentences and Damage Compensation Rulings
In addition to this spy rumor case, punishments for those who wrote malicious posts targeting IU are ongoing. The agency announced that since November 2024, there have been 7 cases of fines, including orders to complete sexual violence treatment programs.
In particular, severe sentences were handed down to trolls with serious offenses. The court sentenced the perpetrator, who repeatedly distorted IU's nationality and identity and wrote sexual harassment posts, to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation. This was deemed a serious crime beyond simple insult.
Meaningful results also emerged from civil lawsuits. In a damage compensation lawsuit filed against those who spread false plagiarism allegations that tarnished the artist's reputation, the court ruled in favor of IU's side, ordering full compensation of 30 million won as claimed by the agency.
Edam Entertainment stated, "Last year, we filed criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against a total of 96 individuals" and added, "We are continuously monitoring and taking legal action against additional malicious posts." They reiterated their zero-tolerance principle, stating, "We will hold accountable all illegal acts that infringe on the artist's personal rights without any settlement or leniency."
