BigHit Music has announced strong legal action to protect CORTIS after serious privacy violations involving the group were discovered.
On June 29, BigHit Music, under HYBE, released an official statement saying it is responding to malicious posts, illegal sharing of flight ticket information, and behavior that violates the members’ privacy and safety.
CORTIS, made up of Martin, James, Ju Hoon, Seong Hyun, and Geon Ho, has many members who are still minors. Because of this, the agency said harmful posts and comments targeting the group are being treated even more seriously.
BigHit Music stated that it found online posts that insulted the members, spread false information, and edited the members’ photos in harmful ways.
The agency said it is asking authorities for “a thorough investigation and strict punishment” under a “zero tolerance” policy, with no settlement or leniency.
The company also warned against selling or buying the members’ flight and immigration information, saying such actions may violate privacy laws.
The agency said an investigation is already underway into accounts that allegedly shared this information online.
The most serious concern involved sasaeng behavior. According to BigHit Music, some people entered or waited near private areas such as the group’s dorm parking lot, approached members by pretending to be staff, followed them during private schedules, and filmed them closely while they were resting in airport lounges or on airplanes.
BigHit Music also revealed that during CORTIS’s recent Paris schedule, several people were caught allegedly attaching small GPS tracking devices to the vehicle carrying the members.
The agency said others used local cars and drivers to follow the members’ travel routes, including private and personal schedules.
The agency said, “We always place the safety and privacy protection of CORTIS members as our top priority”, and added that it will continue to respond strictly to actions that violate fan etiquette.
BigHit Music also asked fans to report harmful posts or actions through HYBE’s artist rights violation reporting site and said it will do its best to help CORTIS safely continue their upcoming tour and activities.
