HYBE Files Complaint Against Group Illegally Trading 'Artist Flight Ticket Information'... Suspects Transferred to Prosecution

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A group involved in illegally obtaining and trading flight ticket information of artists under HYBE has been referred to the prosecution.

On the 18th, HYBE stated, "We received notification that operators of social networking service (SNS) accounts suspected of illegally obtaining and trading flight ticket information of our affiliated artists have been referred to the prosecution."

HYBE explained, "To respond to the illegal trading of flight ticket information of K-pop artists, we formed a separate task force last year. After identifying multiple SNS accounts trading artist flight ticket information online, we secured evidence that could identify the operators and submitted it to the police."

Based on this information, the police conducted a long-term domestic and international investigation and confirmed the charges against some suspects, referring them to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects profited from buying and selling artist flight ticket information, earning tens of millions to hundreds of millions of Korean won. It is known that the suspects illegally traded flight ticket information of K-pop singers through chats or direct messages (DMs).

The illegally traded information was used for stalking behaviors by preemptively identifying artists' seat information, boarding the same flight, and attempting close contact. There were also cases where artists' seats and in-flight meals were arbitrarily changed or flight reservations were canceled, causing disruptions to schedules and damaging artists' activities and overall entertainment company operations.

Such illegal trading of artist flight ticket information has spread throughout the entertainment industry. It is known that not only HYBE-affiliated artists but also many idol groups and actors have reported damages caused by the leakage of flight ticket information.

HYBE emphasized, "The act of selling or purchasing flight ticket information obtained illegally is a clear illegal act that threatens the safety of artists and creates anxiety, and it is a very serious issue that can cause safety accidents at airports and on aircraft. We will hold those who commodify and trade artists' personal information criminally responsible without any settlement or leniency, applying a zero-tolerance policy and responding strictly."

Additionally, HYBE has reviewed related procedures and systems and requested cooperation from airlines and travel agencies to prevent further leakage of artists' personal information, including flight ticket information. They also announced plans to work closely with various organizations in the future to protect artists' personal information.