BigHit Music has announced fresh legal action against individuals spreading malicious content about BTS, underlining a zero-tolerance approach to online abuse, misinformation and stalking at a time when the group is once again under intense public scrutiny.

In a detailed notice released this week, the HYBE subsidiary confirmed that it initiated legal proceedings in the fourth quarter against authors of defamatory and insulting posts identified through fan reports and the company’s own monitoring. These posts were tracked across major Korean online communities such as Naver, Daum, DC Inside, Instiz and FMKorea, as well as music platforms including Melon, Bugs and Genie. International social media platforms like X, Instagram and YouTube were also included.

BigHit reiterated that it maintains a policy of “taking legal action without compromise or leniency” against malicious acts. These include defamation, the use of insulting language, the creation or spread of false rumours, and the manipulation or distribution of misinformation using artificial intelligence tools. The company confirmed that a fine has already been imposed on an individual who posted insulting content about BTS on an online community, and that it is working to ensure criminal punishment in cases still under investigation.

 

The timing of the statement is significant. In recent months, concerns around artist safety have resurfaced, particularly involving BTS’ youngest member Jungkook. His residence has reportedly been targeted multiple times by individuals attempting to approach or observe the property, prompting police involvement. Such incidents have reignited conversations around stalking culture in K-pop.

Not just this, recently it was seen that rumours around member’s private lives were also spread, not limited to their dating life.

BigHit addressed these concerns directly, revealing that there have been repeated cases of serious violations near artists’ residences. These include illegal activities, attempts to approach homes, waiting or loitering nearby, filming private spaces, and leaving objects without permission. “Leaving objects near an artist’s residence without permission also constitutes stalking,” the agency stressed, adding that these actions cause “severe psychological harm” and are “absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances.”

The company said it reports such incidents to the police as soon as they are confirmed and actively cooperates with investigations by providing necessary materials. In some cases, prosecutors have already requested summary orders, signalling that legal consequences are underway.

The notice also touched upon a growing challenge facing global celebrities: AI-driven misinformation. With advances in artificial intelligence making it easier to fabricate images, videos and narratives, K-pop artists have increasingly become targets of manipulated content designed to mislead or provoke backlash. BigHit made it clear that generating or spreading false information using AI will be treated as a criminal offence and pursued accordingly.

As BTS prepare for their long-awaited full-group comeback following the completion of mandatory military service, the agency emphasised that ensuring the safety and privacy of artists is fundamental to sustaining a healthy fan culture. “Unauthorized visits to an artist’s residence, following them, filming private spaces, or writing malicious posts related to their private life are all subject to criminal penalties,” the statement warned.

BigHit also appealed directly to fans, asking for cooperation and restraint. Visiting private spaces or attempting to monitor artists’ daily lives, the company said, not only invites legal punishment but also causes deep anxiety and stress to those involved.

Concluding the notice, BigHit thanked fans for their continued love and support for BTS and assured that it will continue to strengthen protective measures.

Meanwhile, BTS is expected to make their much anticipated comeback coming March.