K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment on Wednesday issued a stern warning against an individual who has been stalking members of its popular girl group TWICE, adding that it would take strong legal action should the person refuse to stop the behavior.
JYP Entertainment did not name the stalker, but the talent management agency said the individual had been sending letters with inappropriate content and photos to TWICE members. The stalker had also mentioned that they were constantly loitering around TWICE's workplace and residential areas. These caused psychological harm and anxiety among the group's members.
In response, JYP Entertainment noted that it has already implemented enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of its artists. The company also emphasized they are willing to take strong legal action against the stalker if they do not stop their behavior, noting that it violates South Korea's Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes law. Under this law, actions such as persistently approaching someone near their residence or workplace against their will, as well as sending unwanted letters, images, or objects, are classified as stalking and are subject to severe legal consequences.
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"We would like to emphasize once again that these actions are in clear violation of the artists' wishes. If the individual does not immediately stop the aforementioned stalking behavior, we will take all possible legal actions available using the strongest methods, without any leniency or settlement," the statement read.
This is not the first time TWICE has dealt with such issues. In a high-profile case from January 2020, a German stalker attempted to approach Nayeon on a flight from Japan to South Korea. The man, who had been posting about wanting to meet Nayeon on social media, managed to book the same flight and tried multiple times to reach her. As a result of this incident, Nayeon was placed under police protection, and JYP Entertainment announced they would take the highest level of legal action against the stalker.
