On June 29, Source Music released an official statement through the fan community platform Weverse, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of LE SSERAFIM.
The agency stated: “We will utilize all available civil and criminal legal measures against acts that infringe upon our artists’ rights, without any leniency.”
The company specifically highlighted the growing problem of AI-generated deepfake sexual crimes, revealing that it has recently submitted an official opinion to investigators requesting the maximum punishment permitted under the law. Source Music added that it has no intention of negotiating or reaching settlements with those responsible.
The statement also addressed so-called “cyber wreckers” content creators who profit from spreading rumors, fabricated stories, and sensationalized content online. According to Source Music, such content spreads rapidly across online communities and social media platforms, causing severe damage to the artists. The agency said these activities have resulted in:
- Irreparable psychological harm
- Serious personal and professional damage
- Ongoing violations of the members’ rights
Source Music pledged to hold those responsible accountable through legal proceedings. “We will pursue responsibility for malicious posts targeting our artists until the very end.”
The company revealed that it continuously monitors online platforms for posts that violate the rights of LE SSERAFIM members. According to Source Music, legal procedures are being initiated on a regular basis against individuals whose actions are found to constitute criminal offenses. The agency added that multiple cases are currently under police investigation, reiterating that it will maintain its strict no-leniency policy.
Source Music’s announcement comes as South Korean authorities continue intensifying efforts to combat digital sex crimes. Police previously revealed that during a six-month nationwide crackdown launched in November last year, authorities arrested more than 1,500 suspects involved in distributing sexually exploitative content and other cyber sexual offenses. Among those arrested:
- 87 suspects were taken into custody.
- 723 were teenagers, accounting for nearly half of all suspects.
- Including suspects in their twenties, individuals under 30 represented approximately 80% of all arrests.
Authorities also worked with organizations including the Korea Communications Standards Commission and the Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Center to remove or block 37,687 illegal images and videos from online platforms.
South Korean police have also announced plans to utilize the United States’ recently enacted Take It Down Act, legislation that requires online platforms to remove non-consensual intimate imagery within 48 hours after receiving valid requests.
Officials stated that the current nationwide crackdown on cyber sexual crimes will continue through October 31 as authorities seek to strengthen protections for victims and crack down on AI-generated sexual exploitation.
Sources: Daum | 헤럴드경제
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