BTS is suing trolls over 'malicious' comments

Free speech may be free but it comes with consequences.

At least, that’s the point Big Hit Entertainment, the record label behind South Korea’s successful pop band BTS is trying to drive home to trolls who posted “insulting” and “defamatory” comments about the pop band.

According to Big Hit Entertainment, which has reported such posts to the police, it is taking action over posts “that exceed the reasonable and accepted boundaries of expression and personal commentary.” However, it did not provide details about the nature of the comments.

Big Hit Entertainment did not go into detail about the nature of the comments.

In a statement, Big Hit explained it routinely monitors social media and message boards for posts about its artists that contained “ill-intentioned criticism, the spreading of groundless information and personal attacks“.

It has also established a hotline for fans to report offensive or defamatory content.

“We have responded with zero tolerance against insults and defamation against our artists.

“We emphasise that there is, and will be, no leniency or settlement with the perpetrators of these acts.”

South Korean law allows for an individual to be punished if they make a factually-accurate statement that brings another person into disrepute.

BTS, who won their first MTV Awards on Monday night are the most successful band to emerge from the K-pop scene.

Earlier this month, however, Big Hit announced the septet were taking an “extended period of rest and relaxation” in order to “rest and recharge in their own personal ways“.