Shownu to sue over fake photos

Starship Entertainment will be taking firm measures against those spreading illegal photos and rumors about Shownu of boy band Monsta X, the agency said on Monday after a photo went viral over the weekend.

“An illegally-fabricated photo of Shownu is spreading across the internet and social media platforms,” the agency said.

“We will be reporting not only the initial uploader, but also those who have been spreading it afterward to the police.”

The agency will also be filing for a civil lawsuit demanding compensation for infringing on Shownu’s portrait rights.

On Sunday, a picture of a man sleeping naked in bed - whose face looked like Shownu’s - went viral on the internet after it was uploaded by an anonymous Twitter account who claimed it was the boy band member.

Although Starship Entertainment explained that it was a “fabricated” picture, the photo came after Han Seo-hee, a former K-pop trainee, revealed last week that Shownu was dating a married woman.

Han revealed a text message she received from the woman’s husband who claimed the two were having an affair.

“She got married in August last year, but she didn’t tell Shownu. We have confirmed that he had no idea [that she was married]. We met and explained everything, and Shownu has not contacted her ever since he found out that she was married,” the agency explained.

The agency apologized for the scandal, but also warned that it will be taking legal measures against those making any false claims.

According to Monday’s announcement, some internet trolls have been handed over to prosecution, after the agency made a report to the police in July.

“All suspects will be punished according to the law, and we will also be filing a civil suit as well,” the agency said.

By Yoon So-yeon