The HYBE subsidiary BELIFT Lab has no filed lawsuits against hundreds of internet users. These users have allegedly posted malicious comments about ILLIT (composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha).
In a fascinating move, the company has gathered evidence of domestic and international defamation and slander on social media and beyond. This is BELIFT Lab’s attempt to safeguard the mental and emotional well being of a young girl group.
However, given the wealth and power of HYBE and its recent controversies around censorship and media consolidation, it begs the question: should massively influential media corporations be able to sue consumers for expressing their thoughts? Should a non-government organization be allowed to essentially surveil consumers and suppress opinions they dislike?
It certainly seems that BELIFT Lab is proceeding as if this is an open and shut case, but it may open a can of worms and begin a long and arduous decision making process to ensure there is no dangerous precedent set where future megacorporations can abuse it to manipulate and shape the masses.
Regarding ILLIT, BELIFT Lab released this official statement: "We have taken legal action against individuals who have defamed, insulted, sexually harassed, spread false information, and maliciously criticized ILLIT. We have filed complaints with the police against hundreds of defendants, and investigations are currently underway. Additionally, we continuously monitor and collect evidence of malicious posts and will regularly file complaints."