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On July 4, Around Us Entertainment, the agency representing the renowned group Highlight (formerly BEAST), issued a cautionary statement on their official website regarding a surge in malicious emails impersonating the agency.
The announcement highlighted that a significant number of these deceptive emails, purportedly sent from addresses mimicking Around Us, are laden with malware.
The agency stressed that these fraudulent communications often employ attention-grabbing subject lines like 'image copyright infringement' or 'planned lawsuit' in an attempt to mislead recipients into opening them.
[공지] 어라운드어스 사칭 이메일 유포 관련 안내
— Around US Ent. (@ent_aroundus) July 4, 2024
최근 어라운드어스를 사칭하여 대량의 악성코드가 포함된 이메일이 발송되고 있어 안내드립니다. 팬 여러분들의 각별한 주의를 당부드립니다.
▶ https://t.co/bIzSR9DFoO#하이라이트 #HIGHLIGHT#비스트 #BEAST
"Recently, a large number of emails containing malware have been sent, pretending to be from Around Us. These fake emails, which often have provocative subject lines or content such as 'image copyright infringement' or 'planned lawsuit,' are intended to confuse recipients and induce them to open the email.
We urge your caution when interacting with them."
They reassured fans and recipients that the agency does not engage in legal action against fans unless it involves severe breaches such as deliberate harm to the artists' reputation or misuse of official images for personal gain.
The agency also disclosed that while they have identified one specific email address used for these malicious purposes, the nature of email-based malware dissemination implies that additional fake emails from other addresses could be circulated in the future.
Therefore, they urged fans and recipients to remain vigilant and exercise caution.
"We send emails only through our official domain, and we do not sue our fans unless it involves deliberate damage to the artist's image or exploiting the official image for personal gain.
So far, only one email address has been identified, but as the spread of malware through email is frequent these days, additional fake emails using other addresses may be sent.
We ask fans to be cautious."
Established in 2016 by the members of Highlight, Around Us Entertainment has been instrumental in managing the group's activities and endeavors.
Earlier this year, Highlight made headlines when they announced a significant milestone: the acquisition of trademark rights to their former name, BEAST.
[안내] Around US Ent. 입니다.
— Around US Ent. (@ent_aroundus) June 27, 2023
당사 소속 아티스트 하이라이트 손동운 관련된 소식을 전합니다.
▶ https://t.co/C59qMDfUdh
This move was celebrated by the group and their fanbase as a poignant commemoration of their 15th anniversary.
Highlight expressed their enthusiasm about reclaiming the name 'BEAST,' emphasizing that it allows them to proudly showcase their legacy regardless of their current active name.
"It is refreshing to be able to show the name 'Beast' regardless of our active name. We hope this news serves as a meaningful gift for Highlight and our fans on our 15th anniversary."
The agency and the group collectively hope that this development serves as a meaningful gesture to their dedicated fans.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.