1 SEVENTEEN’s agency PLEDIS Entertainment has provided an update on its ongoing legal action to protect the group’s rights. On June 26, PLEDIS Entertainment released a statement outlining the progress of its legal proceedings against individuals responsible for spreading false information, posting defamatory and malicious content, and violating the privacy of SEVENTEEN members currently serving in the military.
SEVENTEEN’s Official Statement from PLEDIS Entertainment
1 PLEDIS Entertainment stated: “We are continuously pursuing regular and firm legal action against any conduct that infringes upon the rights and interests of SEVENTEEN. Below is an update on our progress as of the second quarter of 2026.”
1. Progress of Major Cases Currently Underway
1 In the case of a defendant who has been indicted on charges of defamation by the publication of false facts regarding the artists, formal trial proceedings are currently underway in court. 1 PLEDIS stated: “We will do our utmost to ensure that the defendant receives appropriate punishment. In addition, for other matters that are still under investigation or for which dispositions have not yet been finalized, we will continue to closely cooperate with investigative authorities and respond strictly to ensure that all perpetrators of illegal acts receive appropriate punishment.”
2. Tracking International Malicious Accounts
The Q1 2026 update had already revealed significant progress on the international front. 4Following the U.S. court’s decision to grant a subpoena, PLEDIS received the identity information of the malicious accounts from X.4 These accounts had been continuously posting false information and defamatory posts about the artists for several years. Based on the information obtained, PLEDIS applied for fact verification with relevant domestic authorities and proceeded with legal procedures to more accurately identify the accounts based on the secured information. 6 Under the subpoena approved by the court, X and Google were required to submit all account-identifying information (name, nickname, creation date, date of birth, email, contact information, etc.), as well as at least the last 10 access logs and the time-zone information of their timestamps, along with the name of the holder, billing address, and phone number of any credit card or bank account registered to the account.
3. Strong Response to Fabricated False Information and Organized Defamation
4 PLEDIS maintains a policy of regular and firm legal action against various malicious posts targeting SEVENTEEN, including the spread of false information, insults, and defamation. 4 Regarding unauthorized information leaks, based on precedents where fines were imposed for the leak of confidential information, PLEDIS will further strengthen internal information security to prevent the occurrence of the same illegal acts. 4 Due to the nature of legal procedures, the above cases require considerable time, but PLEDIS emphasizes that they will hold those responsible fully accountable without any settlement or leniency until the cases are concluded
4. Special Protection for Members Serving in the Military
4 PLEDIS noted that groundless defamation and speculation regarding personal information of artists currently fulfilling their military service faithfully can cause serious harm to the artist personally and negatively impact their service environment. The agency is monitoring such types of posts with extra care and taking immediate legal action without settlement
5. Fan Report Guidelines
4 The invaluable reports that fans submit through the “HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Website (https://protect.hybecorp.com)” are being used as key resources for protecting the artists. To ensure that reports can be used as evidence, PLEDIS recommends submitting a full PC screen capture or a PDF file that clearly shows the URL, post content, username, posting date, and capture date
About SEVENTEEN & PLEDIS Entertainment
SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) is a 13-member South Korean boy group formed by PLEDIS Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE. Known for their self-producing artistry, synchronized performances, and global fanbase (CARATs), SEVENTEEN has grown into one of K-pop’s biggest acts, with multiple members currently fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations.2 This isn’t just an announcement of ongoing lawsuits — it is a declaration of a new, fortified era. As the K-pop industry faces a pivotal horizon in 2026, marked by contract renewals, impending military enlistments for older members, and peak global ascendancy for the group, PLEDIS is not merely playing defense — it is constructing a legal and strategic fortress, and the blueprints are now public.
Fan Response
2 On social media platforms like Twitter and Weverse, the dominant sentiment among fans is one of support for the agency’s strong stance. 2 Many have expressed relief, particularly regarding the anti-stalking measures, with one fan commenting, “Knowing they’re actively protecting them from intruders lets me sleep a little easier.”
