On February 11, the agency released a formal statement revealing that in 2025 alone, it pursued criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against a total of 96 individuals who posted defamatory content about the artist. According to EDAM Entertainment, “Through our legal representative, Shinwon Law Firm, we proceeded with criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against 96 individuals last year (2025).”
5 Million KRW Fine for Spreading “Spy Rumor”
Among the major rulings, a court imposed a fine of 5 million KRW on an individual who spread false rumors labeling IU as a “spy.” In another case, a person who raised false plagiarism accusations against the artist on overseas platform X and reported her for alleged copyright violations was ordered to pay full damages. The court ruled entirely in favor of IU, granting the full 30 million KRW claimed in compensation for emotional distress.
A separate defendant who repeatedly posted unfounded allegations linking IU to serious crimes, spread false rumors about her nationality and identity, and uploaded sexually harassing content on Naver was sentenced to 10 months in prison. The sentence was suspended for two years, and the court additionally ordered probation.
EDAM noted that after an initial round of complaints, some individuals continued posting malicious content. In those cases, the agency proceeded with formal trials rather than summary indictments.
Since the previous notice, the outcomes have included:
- 7 fines
- 1 fine with an order to complete a sexual violence treatment program
- 3 conditional suspensions of indictment requiring educational completion
- 1 suspended prison sentence with probation
Ongoing Investigations and Overseas Legal Action
The agency confirmed that investigations are still underway against a YouTube “cyber wrecker” account accused of spreading defamatory and false information about IU.
Additionally, EDAM filed a civil damages lawsuit against users on the overseas platform Threads who allegedly spread false information and defamatory posts. The company is currently undergoing procedures in a U.S. court to request disclosure of user information in order to identify the individuals involved.
The legal actions have targeted malicious posts across multiple platforms, including Naver, Nate Pann, Daum, Theqoo, DC Inside, Threads, Instagram, Instiz, Ilbe, YouTube, and X.
Strict Stance on Safety Threats
Beyond online defamation, EDAM emphasized that it is also taking firm legal measures against individuals who violate the privacy or threaten the safety of IU and her family.
The agency revealed that several individuals have recently been booked by police for visiting the artist’s residence, her family’s home, or company offices to threaten her safety or demand money. EDAM stated clearly that there will be no settlements or leniency for such actions.
“We will continue to respond strongly with criminal complaints without any agreement or leniency against all illegal acts that threaten our artist’s safety and rights,” the agency said. EDAM Entertainment concluded by reaffirming its commitment to protecting IU’s dignity, rights, and personal safety through ongoing monitoring and legal enforcement.
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