CORTIS Dorm Trespassers Granted Suspended Indictment, BIGHIT Challenges Decision

BIGHIT MUSIC has announced plans to take legal action against acts that threaten the privacy and safety of CORTIS members. The label outlined its recent legal action and future measures in a statement released on Sept. 16.

The agency said it reported two foreign nationals to police following an incident involving the unauthorized entry into the CORTIS members' residence around July and cooperated with the subsequent investigation. According to BIGHIT MUSIC, the two admitted at the scene that they had purchased the address of the group's dormitory through social media before entering the property without permission.

The suspects were referred to prosecutors without detention on charges of jointly trespassing on a residence. They recently received a suspended indictment, meaning prosecutors acknowledged the alleged offense but decided not to prosecute the case.

"We take extremely seriously acts involving residential trespassing and the trade of personal information, as they can directly threaten our artists' privacy and safety," BIGHIT MUSIC said. The agency added that it plans to challenge the decision and seek another legal review of whether the suspects should be indicted.

The label also issued a strong warning against visiting artists' residences or buying and selling their home addresses. It stressed that entering shared entrances, stairwells, hallways or elevators without permission may also constitute residential trespassing under Korean law. Offenses committed jointly by two or more people may be subject to heavier penalties.

BIGHIT MUSIC said it would continue taking legal action against online violations of the members' rights. The agency said it had identified numerous malicious posts containing insults, personal attacks, sexually harassing content and false information that misrepresented the members' words or actions.

The company said it regularly monitors major online communities, portals, social media platforms and music services in South Korea and abroad. It also collects evidence through reports submitted by fans.

BIGHIT MUSIC said it recognizes that people may express different opinions or criticism regarding its artists and their music. However, it warned that it would pursue all available legal measures against conduct that goes beyond criticism and infringes upon the members' rights.

"If such conduct is repeatedly identified, we will respond firmly and according to principle, regardless of nationality, without settlement or leniency," the agency said.

BIGHIT MUSIC also outlined its response to privacy and safety violations at airports and aboard flights. The agency cited acts including using illegally obtained flight information to board the same flight as the members, secretly filming them inside the cabin, handing items to members while they are resting and attempting to make physical contact.

The label also warned against following the members around the cabin, waiting near them or tampering with in-flight meals intended for the artists and staff. Tracking the members' immigration and boarding routes, waiting for extended periods and following them to their vehicles or residences after arrival were also identified as threats to their privacy and safety.

The agency said it was collecting evidence against individuals who had repeatedly engaged in such stalking behavior despite fan etiquette notices and multiple verbal warnings at the scene. It plans to take legal action where necessary and is also monitoring attempts to distort facts involving the artists and staff or spread false information.

"We will continue to do our utmost to protect the rights and safety of CORTIS members, both online and offline," BIGHIT MUSIC said.