Fans take photos of BTS member Jin with their cell phones as he exits a gate at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 in this Dec. 6, 2021 file photo. Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop powerhouse HYBE announced on Tuesday that individuals who exploited their singers’ personal information for profit have been referred to prosecutors, signaling the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting its performers.
Social media account operators accused of illegally obtaining and trading HYBE artists’ flight information have been handed over to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, the company said in a press release.
HYBE noted that it has been operating a task force to track down individuals trading its artists’ flight information. After identifying the social media accounts and their operators involved in this activity, the company submitted the evidence to the police.
Police investigations confirmed that the suspects made tens to hundreds of millions of won by selling the artists’ information on online platforms, including Instagram.
BTS members Jungkook, right, and Jimin return to Korea through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, Dec. 6, 2021, after holding a concert in LA. Yonhap
According to the agency, the illegally traded information was reportedly used to stalk the performers, such as boarding the same flight to get close to the artists or even attempting to cancel reservations and reallocate seats.
In response to the breach, HYBE reviewed and reinforced its procedures and systems to prevent future leaks of artists’ personal information. The label also shared that it has sought the cooperation of airlines and travel agencies to enhance security measures.
“These repercussions extend beyond HYBE’s artists, affecting other idol groups and actors within the entertainment industry,” HYBE said in the release.
“We will hold those who profit from artists’ personal information accountable with a zero-tolerance policy.”
