EPEX‘s agency, C9 Entertainment, has announced strong legal action after member Baekseung’s newly launched YouTube channel was flooded with malicious comments following a controversy involving BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Leehan.
The incident began after BOYNEXTDOOR member Leehan became the target of criticism online over his dancing in a dance challenge with EPEX’s Baekseung. As the controversy spread, some fans redirected their frustration toward Baekseung, leaving hate comments on his personal YouTube channel and accusing him of benefiting from the backlash surrounding Leehan.
In response to the influx of malicious posts, a notice was uploaded to Baekseung’s official YouTube channel, announcing that comments had been blocked on the first video released on July 27 due to the large number of unrelated comments targeting both Baekseung and EPEX. The statement also confirmed that going forward, any comments unrelated to Baekseung, EPEX, or the group’s members would be removed. The channel added that new videos will continue to be uploaded every Monday at 9 p.m. and thanked fans for their continued support.
On July 29, C9 Entertainment released an official statement confirming it had identified numerous malicious posts targeting its artists across YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and other online platforms.
According to the agency, the posts include: the spread of false information, defamation, insults and personal attacks and other serious violations of the artists’ rights. C9 Entertainment revealed that it is already collecting evidence through its own monitoring efforts and fan reports. The company stated it plans to pursue all available civil and criminal legal action against those responsible.
The agency also emphasized that it will adopt a zero-tolerance policy, saying there will be no settlements or leniency for individuals who repeatedly post malicious content, organize the spread of false information, or damage the artists’ reputation.
The agency’s swift response has been met with praise from many Korean netizens, who criticized those leaving hateful comments on Baekseung’s channel over an unrelated controversy. Some comments included:
- They handled the situation well.
- I don’t understand why they had to go to another person’s channel and leave hate comments.
- They really need to sue.
- I support them.
Many fans also applauded C9 Entertainment for taking immediate legal action rather than allowing the harassment to continue unchecked.
Baekseung and fellow EPEX member Mu recently opened their joint YouTube channel, releasing their first video as part of a new content series. Despite the unexpected wave of malicious comments shortly after launch, the channel confirmed that its regular upload schedule will continue as planned.
Meanwhile, EPEX recently wrapped up promotions for their seventh mini album, with the group continuing various activities following its release.
Sources: Instiz, Daum