The personal information of IVE member Jang Wonyoung, as well as other idols active in the industry, is being sold online. Keep reading for all the details.
K-pop idols' personal information is being circulated and sold on social media, with some instances of actual leaks reported, while some sellers are selling fake information. Concerns have been raised regarding cases where individuals posing as delivery workers obtain the home addresses of K-pop idols.
Industry insiders highlight the potential legal repercussions for those involved in the illegal sale of personal data and emphasize the need for measures to prevent unauthorized leaks and transactions. These actions not only violate privacy but also raise concerns about potential stalking and other criminal activities.
IVE Jang Wonyoung & Other Idols Have Personal Information Sold Online
On March 14, 2024, several illegal advertisements were posted on various social media platforms, such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), offering to sell the personal information of K-pop idols.
These posts state the names of current famous idols as well as the information about them that can be purchased. They offer access to several personal details, such as phone numbers and social media accounts of the star's family members.
Buyers reportedly use these illegally obtained numbers to call idols or impersonal delivery services to obtain their home address.
One account is currently selling IVE member Jang Wonyoung's phone number for 8,000 KRW, which is approximately $6 USD. Other idols, such as JYJ's Jaejoong, CIX's Bae Jinyoung, and members from girl group fromis_9, have their information priced at 5,000 to 10,000 KRW.
Most of the information being sold is fake, however. They take advantage of the desperate fans and sell them false information, as they cannot ask for a refund. Industry sources state that most sellers use "anonymous transfers" to conceal the identity of the buyer and seller.
It was reported that one seller made 24 transactions in a day, earning tens of thousands of Korean won.
Public Calls For Legal Action To Ensure Idols' Safety
Under the Personal Information Protection Act, those engaging in such activities can face imprisonment of up to 10 years or fines of up to 100 million won. The same penalties apply to buyers. However, it is challenging to prevent illegal transactions themselves.
Since transactions occur anonymously through electronic transactions, it is difficult to pinpoint the individuals involved or pursue legal action against them. Sellers take advantage of this difficulty in tracking and prosecuting them to continue their illegal activities.
Illegal selling of personal information can lead to other crimes such as stalking, highlighting the need for additional measures beyond existing laws to address the issue. This has sparked concern for the safety of K-pop idols.
A legal industry official warned, "The selling of idols' personal information is not just about fan love; it can lead to stalking and serve as a catalyst to other types of crimes."
Damage to idols' private lives is not a recent issue. Entertainment companies respond sensitively to such matters, but enacting punishment is difficult.
Entertainment industry official Mr. A stated, "Illegal selling of idol's personal information is taking place on social media. We want to take strong legal action, but because it occurs secretly, we cannot punish everyone. Of course, from the company's perspective, we are making efforts to enhance monitoring and request cooperation from relevant social network companies to reduce harm."
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
