Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- After the sudden deaths of two young talented artists Sulli and Goo Hara, an entertainment agency warned of stronger legal action than against cyberbullies who were accused of posting hate comments and spreading malicious online rumors against K-pop artists such as Lovelyz and Infinite.

"We have taken legal action against cyberbullies based on evidence and three of them were ordered to pay fines," Woollim Entertainment said in a statement on Tuesday. The agency has taken a series of legal actions since December 28 last year to protest its girl band, Lovelyz, boy band Infinite, IZ*ONE's Kwon Eun-bi and other artists.

Woolim pledged no mercy, saying the level of online attacks including malicious rumors, sexual harassment and defamation has reached a point the agency cannot overlook.

Various forms of cyberbullying such as online hate comments against celebrities have long been a social problem in South Korea. Some entertainers have committed suicide due to depression aggravated by malicious online comments.

The suicide of Choi Jin-ri, known by her stage name Sulli, and Goo Ha-ra, known by her stage name Hara, sent shockwaves through South Korea's entertainment industry and society. Many have called for strong punishment against cyberbullying.