HYBE Clamps Down on Sasaengs Selling Idols' Flight Information

In response to a disturbing trend of privacy breaches involving its artists, HYBE Labels has launched a stringent crackdown on individuals profiting from the sale of flight information belonging to HYBE artists.

This move comes after increasing incidents of fans obtaining and exploiting sensitive details, such as seat assignments and travel schedules, to intrude on the privacy of their idols.

The company issued a detailed public statement on June 18, outlining the severity of the issue and their proactive steps to combat it.

"There have been frequent cases where some have gone far as arbitrarily changing artists' seats and in-flight meals or canceling their flight reservations, causing disturbances to their schedules."

According to HYBE, the unauthorized acquisition and dissemination of artists' flight details have led to instances of stalking and unauthorized contact attempts by overzealous fans.

Some offenders have even gone so far as to manipulate flight reservations and alter in-flight arrangements, causing significant disruptions to artists' schedules and personal lives.

To tackle this pervasive problem, HYBE established a dedicated task force last September.

"Based on the submitted evidence, the investigative agencies conducted long-term domestic and overseas investigations.

In May, they identified suspects, including those presumed to be foreigners, and conducted additional detailed investigations.

The suspects are accused of profiting tens of millions to hundreds of millions of won from selling artists’ flight ticket information through social media channels over an extended period."

This team has been actively monitoring social media platforms for accounts illegally selling idols' flight information.

Through diligent efforts, HYBE has successfully identified and reported several operators behind these illicit activities to law enforcement authorities.

The suspects, including some believed to be foreign nationals, are facing charges under South Korea's Personal Information Protection Act and other relevant statutes.

The investigation, which spanned both domestic and international jurisdictions, culminated in May with the identification of multiple suspects.

The swift and decisive action taken by HYBE has garnered widespread support from netizens, who have expressed relief and approval for the company's unwavering stance against privacy violations.

Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many applauding HYBE for its proactive measures in protecting artists from such intrusive behaviors.

• "This was well done."
• "Good!"
• "This is genuinely praiseworthy."
• "Wow... Well done, really... I commend them... This is the way to handle it. Really well done."
• "Really well handled."
• "Finally dealing with the crazies. FINALLY! They're finally cracking down on the issue. Wow, what a relief..."
• "Wow, well done."
• "Wow, making hundreds of millions from that is insane."

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.