"Rumor Not True... Legal Action Deemed Urgent"
After the composite sketch of the safe thief involved in the case of the late Goo Hara, a member of the group KARA, was released, unverified rumors surrounding Zico (31, real name Woo Ji-ho) began spreading online, prompting his agency to take legal action.
Zico's agency, KOZ Entertainment, stated on the 24th, "We have collected posts and comments from various online communities and social networking services (SNS) as evidence and submitted a complaint to the investigative authorities. We will continue to regularly collect evidence of malicious posts and file complaints." The agency also clarified, "We firmly state that the recently raised rumors related to the artist are false," and warned, "We will respond strongly to these as well."
They emphasized, "Malicious rumors and the spread of false information, which have been clearly proven to have no connection to the artist, have become so severe that they cannot be overlooked. We have determined that strong legal measures against these individuals are urgently needed." They added, "Based on the collected evidence, we will take strict action against those who write malicious posts. Even if it takes time, we will hold them accountable to the end. Under no circumstances will there be leniency or settlements."
The image shows the suspect (right) in the safe theft case at Goo Hara's residence and the composite sketch based on this. [Image source: Screenshot from SBS 'Unanswered Questions' broadcast]
This response came after some netizens online claimed that the composite sketch of the thief who stole Goo Hara's safe resembled Zico. On the 22nd, SBS's investigative documentary program Unanswered Questions aired an episode titled "Still a Story of a Lucky Thief - Goo Hara Safe Theft Case," which covered the theft incident at the late Goo Hara's residence. The broadcast revealed CCTV footage of the safe thief and the composite sketch based on it.
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