Highlight has announced a firm stance to take strong action against recent privacy-related rumors spreading online. On the 21st, their agency, Around Us Entertainment, stated on their official website, "Recently, we have confirmed that Highlight members have suffered serious damage due to baseless false information circulated on some SNS and internet communities."

In this regard, a media outlet reported that a popular male K-pop singer, Mr. A, allegedly has a child with a former partner, Ms. B. However, the outlet added that it has not been confirmed whether Mr. A is registered as the father on the family register. Subsequently, speculation spread online that Mr. A is a member of a specific idol group.

Highlight's agency declared, "We firmly state that the baseless information currently circulating on the internet is absolutely untrue," adding, "The dissemination of such false information constitutes defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection and the Criminal Act, causing significant mental and economic damage by harming the members' honor and trust."

The agency further emphasized, "We will file criminal complaints for defamation under Article 70 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection and Articles 307 and 309 of the Criminal Act against those who spread false information." They also added, "We will pursue legal action, including civil claims for damages, against all individuals who have caused economic losses to Highlight members and our agency due to the spread of false information."

The agency stressed, "We will never tolerate any acts that damage the honor of our artists or cause harm through the dissemination of unverified false information, malicious posts, or comments, and we will hold responsible parties accountable through strong legal measures."

Reports from fans are also continuing, and the agency explained that they are receiving screenshots and URLs of online posts. They are preparing responses based on this information. The agency added, "We will do our best to protect our artists."

Highlight's firm legal response is expected to raise awareness about privacy violations within the K-pop industry. The agency made it clear that they will take legal measures to protect the artists' honor. This incident has attracted significant attention among K-pop fans, and close monitoring of future developments is necessary.

Taking this incident as an opportunity, Highlight plans to further strengthen legal standards related to the protection of artists' privacy. The agency stated that they will continue efforts to protect the artists through communication with fans. This may become an important case regarding the protection of artists' rights within the K-pop industry.

This incident occurred amid growing interest in the privacy of K-pop artists. Fans have pointed out that excessive attention to artists' personal lives is problematic. Highlight's response will serve as a wake-up call regarding these issues.

The agency stated that they will continue to actively respond to protect the honor and rights of their artists. This once again reminds the industry of the need for discussions on protecting artists' rights across the K-pop sector.

Highlight's firm stance conveys the message that artists' privacy must be respected. Fans and the public are expected to refrain from excessive interest in artists' personal lives, and the agency's legal actions are anticipated to help spread this awareness.

The agency reiterated their commitment to "do their best to protect the artists" and announced that they will provide ongoing updates on the situation. At a time when protecting artists' rights is becoming increasingly important in the K-pop industry, Highlight's response is drawing attention.