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HYBE |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] HYBE Entertainment has reported that individuals who illegally obtained and traded flight information of their artists have been handed over to the prosecution for investigation. On the 18th, HYBE stated, "We have been informed that operators of social networking service (SNS) accounts, who are accused of illegally acquiring and trading our artists' flight information, have been sent to the prosecution."
HYBE further explained, "To address the illegal trading of K-pop artists' flight information, we formed a special task force last year. We identified several SNS accounts trading artists' flight information online and submitted evidence to the police to identify the operators."
Based on this information, the police conducted a long-term investigation domestically and internationally, confirming suspicions against some suspects and referring them to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
According to the police investigation, the suspects allegedly earned tens of millions to hundreds of millions of Korean won by buying and selling artists' flight information. They conducted these illegal transactions through chats or direct messages (DMs), aiming to profit from knowing artists' seating arrangements in advance and attempting close contact stalking on the same flights. Instances were also noted where suspects attempted to change artists' seats and inflight meals arbitrarily or cancel their flight reservations, causing disruptions to artists' schedules and operations of entertainment companies.
Additionally, HYBE has taken steps to prevent further leaks of artists' personal information, including flight details, by reviewing related procedures and systems and seeking cooperation from airlines and travel agencies.
알파경제 Kim SangJin (letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
