Hybe, the entertainment agency behind BTS and other K-Pop groups, has cracked down on the illegal sale of artists’ airline ticket information. On June 18th, they announced that authorities are prosecuting individuals suspected of obtaining and trading this information.
This follows Hybe’s year-long effort to combat this issue. They formed a dedicated task force to identify social media accounts illegally selling flight ticket information of their artists. After gathering evidence, they submitted it to the police.
A lengthy investigation, both domestically and abroad, led to charges being filed against some suspects. These individuals are accused of making significant profits, ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of won, by illegally selling this information through chat rooms and direct messages.
This information was misused for stalking purposes. Fans would use it to find out artists’ seat assignments and attempt unwanted contact after boarding the same flight. The practice has also caused disruptions to artists’ schedules and overall operations. Examples include illegally changing seat assignments, altering in-flight meals, and even cancelling reservations.
The problem extends beyond Hybe’s artists. Many K-pop idols and actors reportedly face similar issues with leaked flight information.
Hybe emphasized the seriousness of this crime. “Selling or buying illegally obtained flight information is a crime,” they stated. “It threatens artists’ safety, creates anxiety, and can lead to safety hazards at airports and aeroplanes.”
They further condemned the “commercialization” of artists’ personal information. Hybe vowed to pursue legal action with “zero tolerance” and hold these individuals accountable.
In addition to legal action, Hybe is taking steps to prevent future leaks. They’re reviewing internal procedures and systems, and are seeking cooperation from airlines and travel agencies to tighten security measures. Furthermore, Hybe plans to continue collaborating with various organizations to safeguard their artists’ privacy.
