Two Foreigners Illegally Entering CORTIS Accommodation Sent to Prosecution Without Detention... BigHit "Strengthening Legal Response"

Big Hit Music has announced a firm legal response to acts that infringe on the privacy and safety of CORTIS members. On the 16th, Big Hit Music announced the current status of legal actions and future response plans regarding recent violations of CORTIS members’ rights. The agency explained that around July, two foreigners unlawfully entered the residence of CORTIS members, reported the suspects to the police, and actively cooperated with the investigation. It was reported that the suspects admitted to purchasing the CORTIS residence address through SNS and unlawfully entering the residence. The two suspects charged with trespassing were sent to the prosecution without detention and recently received a suspension of indictment. A suspension of indictment is a disposition where the prosecution acknowledges the criminal charges but does not indict and closes the case. In response, Big Hit Music stated, ″We take the acts of trespassing residences and trading personal information, which can directly threaten the privacy and safety of our artists, very seriously,″ and announced plans to proceed with an appeal process requesting a reconsideration of the decision on indictment. The agency also strongly warned against visiting artist residences or trading address information. They emphasized that unauthorized entry into common areas within apartment complexes such as shared entrances, common staircases, hallways, and elevators can also constitute trespassing, and that aggravated punishment is possible if two or more people enter together. Big Hit Music is continuing legal action against online violations of CORTIS members’ rights. They explained that numerous cases of malicious slander, insults, personal attacks, spreading false information, and sexually harassing posts have been confirmed recently. Big Hit Music is continuously monitoring major domestic and international online communities, portals, SNS, and music sites, collecting related materials based on fan reports. They stated that any acts infringing on rights beyond opinions or criticism of the artists and their music will be met with all legal measures. They also expressed their position to respond strictly according to principles without settlement or leniency regardless of nationality if repeated issues are confirmed. They also announced a response policy regarding privacy invasion and safety threats occurring at airports and onboard flights. This includes unlawfully obtaining flight ticket information to board the same flight, secretly filming members onboard, delivering items to resting members, or attempting physical contact. Actions such as following the artist’s onboard movement path, waiting nearby, arbitrarily changing the in-flight meals of the staff, and tracking entry, exit, and boarding routes to follow them to vehicles or residences are also defined as threats to privacy and safety. Despite fan etiquette notices and verbal warnings on-site, the agency is collecting evidence against those who repeatedly engage in such acts and plans to take legal action if necessary. Additionally, they stated they will monitor acts of distorting facts or spreading false information about the artists and staff. Big Hit Music concluded, ″We will continue to do our best to protect the rights and safety of the members both online and offline.″