Netizens are becoming brave in their acts as they are hidden and protected by social media’s anonymity. However, these behaviors are being straightened as artists’ agencies are actively addressing these actions and are unafraid of taking legal actions against them.
In a report by Korean JoongAng Daily, DSP Media released an official statement regarding April member Naeun’s bullying accusation. The netizen, who is publicly known as ‘A,’ was found guilty of defamation and creating malicious rumors online.
Last March, the netizen made a post claiming that the April member bullied her in school. Before the case could be forwarded to the prosecution, A changed her mind and apologized to Naeun. A also gave a letter of apology. After reading through the contents of the letter, Naeun and the agency decided to accept it and withdraw the legal complaint.
However, DSP Media emphasized that the agency will sue people who create and spread false information against their talents.
The agency did not hold back and disclosed A’s apology letter. It turns out that the netizen wrote that post due to her inferiority complex and jealousy. There are no victims of school violence. She did this out of spite as Naeun was bright and sociable, as opposed to her quiet self that wasn’t much recognized in elementary school.
The abuse of free speech protected by anonymity is becoming prevalent. Hence, South Korean entertainment agencies are taking steps to protect artists’ and idols’ mental health and character.
