MOMOLAND's JooE [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Aju News) -- JooE, a member of South Korea's nascent girl group MOMOLAND, gave out a strong warning to cyber bullies who have spread groundless allegations about her school day violence.
"We will take strong legal actions against people who spread malicious rumors," MOMOLAND's agency Double Kick Company said in a statement on Friday, refuting rumors surrounding JooE. The agency urged online users to stop "hurting young girls who dream of becoming the best entertainers".
There have been online allegations that JooE was involved in a violent case at school after the popularity of "BBoom BBoom", the group's new song, rose at home and abroad.
Cyber bullying and other types of cyberharassment have long been a huge problem in South Korea's entertainment scene. Many celebrities including popular singer IU and girl group TWICE have taken legal actions against online menaces but the intensity of malicious acts is getting stronger.
In December last year, Jonghyun, a member of South Korea's popular K-pop band SHINee, shocked the South Korean society by committing suicide. He had suffered from depression and many experts believe cyber bullying is suspected of playing a role in his tragic suicide.