IU's agency will show 'no leniency' for those who spread rumors about singer

Singer and actor IU [EDAM ENTERTAINMENT]

A plagiarism accusation brought against singer and actor IU earlier this year was part of malicious attempts to attack the artist, which also included a recent death threat, according to her agency EDAM Entertainment.

IU was cleared of plagiarism charges regarding six of her songs made last May after the police decided not to pursue charges and closed the case.

A YouTuber whose Korean username translates to "TV Newsnet Technology" claimed that he made the report on May 8, "For the good of the Korean pop music scene," claiming that her songs — "Good Day" (2010), "Red Shoes" (2013), "Bbibbi" (2018), "pitiful" (2009), "Boo" (2009) and "Celebrity" (2021) — were copied off of other people's works.

Out of the six tracks, IU was involved in writing lyrics for "Celebrity" as well as writing the lyrics and general production of "Bbibbi."

EDAM Entertainment had already been keeping track of a list of suspects making multiple social media accounts to attack IU by circulating rumors online, including plagiarism accusations and accusations of being a North Korean spy, according to the agency.

The company, on March 20, reported to the police 58 people who had repeatedly been posting malicious content about IU. It also filed a defamation suit against the spreaders of rumors of espionage in May.

"The violence inflicted on the artist is getting out of hand," EDAM Entertainment said in a statement on Friday. "We had to call authorities to our office and Kakao Entertainment office because we received a death threat against the artist. We fortified her security after officials clarified that she was, in fact, safe."

EDAM Entertainment warned that it will take legal measures against anyone who makes threats or false accusations against the artist.

"We will follow a non-leniency rule against any illegalities against [IU], which is now taking place both online and offline. We are also preparing to take other measures," the agency said.

Singer-songwriter IU [EDAM ENTERTAINMENT]

IU, whose real name is Lee Ji-eun, had fallen victim to numerous rumors and accusations throughout her career after shooting to stardom as a singer and actor.

She debuted in 2008 and has become one of the most renowned solo singers in Korea, famed for her songs such as "Good Day" (2010), "YOU&I" (2011), "Friday" (2013) and "The Red Shoes "(2013).

She started her acting career with the 2011 KBS drama series "Dream High," set in a fictional arts high school where students endeavor to become celebrities.

She released her first official self-written song "Hold My Hand" the same year and has since released multiple songs she wrote herself.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]