Members of the K-pop group (G)I-DLE are preparing to take legal action against the distribution of maliciously edited videos.
Cube Entertainment, the group's agency, released a statement on the 18th, stating, "Maliciously edited videos and content targeting (G)I-DLE members are being repeatedly circulated, along with sexual insults, personal attacks, and malicious speculative comments spreading indiscriminately."
The agency emphasized, "These actions are not only subject to criminal punishment but also constitute illegal acts that severely infringe on the artists' rights to their image, honor, and personality."
Cube Entertainment further stated, "We are currently gathering evidence of these illegal posts and are preparing all possible civil and criminal legal actions through our legal representatives. We will hold those who maliciously distribute or spread these videos and post insulting comments fully accountable without any leniency or settlement."
Recently, videos of (G)I-DLE members attending an awards ceremony were edited into sexual content and circulated widely.
(G)I-DLE is set to make a full group comeback this May.
Below is the full statement from Cube Entertainment:
Hello.
This is Cube Entertainment.
We sincerely thank the fans who cherish and support our artist, (G)I-DLE.
Maliciously edited videos and content targeting (G)I-DLE members are being repeatedly circulated, along with sexual insults, personal attacks, and malicious speculative comments spreading indiscriminately.
In response, we are issuing the following official statement to protect the rights and interests of our artists.
Regardless of whether the original video was filmed in a public place, editing and distributing it maliciously, spreading related false information, and posting insulting expressions such as sexual harassment and defamation are clear crimes.
These actions are not only subject to criminal punishment but also constitute illegal acts that severely infringe on the artists' rights to their image, honor, and personality.
We are currently gathering evidence of these illegal posts and are preparing all possible civil and criminal legal actions through our legal representatives.
In particular, we will hold those who maliciously distribute or spread these videos and post insulting comments fully accountable without any leniency or settlement.
We strongly urge those involved in creating, distributing, or consuming such content to immediately delete all related posts and comments and cease further infringing activities.
We will continue to do our best to protect the rights and interests of our artists and to foster a healthy fan culture.
Thank you.
Reporter Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr