Boy band Ateez’s label files lawsuit against YouTuber uploading 'malicious content'

Boy band Ateez showcases its eighth EP ″The World EP.1: Movement″ on July 28 at Sejong University in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [NEWS1]

K-pop boy band Ateez’s label KQ Entertainment said Wednesday that it has filed a lawsuit against a YouTuber who has been uploading malicious content regarding the boy band.

“The YouTuber has produced video content about Ateez, which is full of exaggeration and false information. It contributed to spreading false information by making the content as if it’s based on factual information,” the label said. “What’s even more unforgivable is that such a violator of law is making profit from it. It’s a malicious case that should not be ignored.”

KQ Entertainment posted the statement on the boy band’s official fan club website and informed fans that “artists under KQ Entertainment will be taken care of,” assuring that the label will do everything to protect Ateez.

The label said it has filed a lawsuit against the YouTuber, who has been working as a so-called “cyber wrecker” — a term that refers to YouTubers who gather information about celebrity gossip, frequently adding their own opinions or critiques in a bid to increase their viewership — for defamation, violation of copyright and obstruction of business.

Ateez will kick off its world tour in October. The boy band dropped its eighth EP, “The World EP.1: Movement,” on July 29.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]