[Photograph by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
"We have taken legal action against cyberbullies based on evidence and three of them were ordered to pay fines," Woollim Entertainment said in a statement on Tuesday. The agency has taken a series of legal actions since December 28 last year to protest its girl band, Lovelyz, boy band Infinite, IZ*ONE's Kwon Eun-bi and other artists.
Woolim pledged no mercy, saying the level of online attacks including malicious rumors, sexual harassment and defamation has reached a point the agency cannot overlook.
Various forms of cyberbullying such as online hate comments against celebrities have long been a social problem in South Korea. Some entertainers have committed suicide due to depression aggravated by malicious online comments.
The suicide of Choi Jin-ri, known by her stage name Sulli, and Goo Ha-ra, known by her stage name Hara, sent shockwaves through South Korea's entertainment industry and society. Many have called for strong punishment against cyberbullying.
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