South Korean singer Zico will be taking legal action against online users who have been spreading false information and malicious comments about him. This comes after Zico was recently targeted by online trolls in connection with the Burning Sun scandal and the passing of singer Goo Hara.

KOZ Entertainment Issues Statement

On June 24th, 2024, Zico’s agency, KOZ Entertainment, released a statement announcing their decision to pursue legal action. The statement specifically mentions “defamation, insults, and the spread of false information” as grounds for the lawsuit. The agency emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the “spread of malicious rumors and false facts… has become serious at a level that cannot be tolerated.”

Re-examination of Zico’s Friendship with Jung Joon-young

The recent surge in malicious comments against Zico appears to be linked to the BBC’s coverage of the Burning Sun scandal, which involved former Big Bang member Seungri, singer Jung Joon-young, and FT Island’s Choi Jong-hoon. Zico’s past friendship with Jung Joon-young has come under renewed scrutiny.

In 2016, during an MBC broadcast of the entertainment program “Radio Star,” Zico mentioned Jung Joon-young having a “golden phone.” He clarified that it wasn’t an official phone and likened its extensive contact list to a “Pokemon Encyclopedia.” Zico jokingly asked Jung Joon-young if he had gotten rid of the phone, to which Jung Joon-young replied that Zico would visit his house and ask to see the “golden phone.”

Zico Denies Connection to Illegal Activity

When allegations of illegal video filming and distribution surfaced against Jung Joon-young, Zico distanced himself from the controversy. He asserted that the “golden phone” anecdote was unrelated and that he only saw a contact list with personal information. Zico also stated that he had not been in contact with Jung Joon-young for a significant amount of time.

Despite Zico’s previous clarifications, his name continues to be mentioned alongside the “golden phone” whenever the Burning Sun scandal resurfaces. Following the BBC documentary, Zico’s social media platforms were flooded with comments demanding explanations about the phone and its contents.

Speculation Fueled by SBS Documentary

The situation escalated further after SBS’s investigative program “I Want to Know” featured a segment on the late singer Goo Hara. The episode included a montage of the criminal who stole a safe from Goo Hara’s residence. Some viewers, fueled by speculation, claimed similarities between the suspect’s gait and Zico’s.

KOZ Entertainment Vows Strong Legal Action

In response to the intensified online harassment, KOZ Entertainment declared their intent to pursue legal action. They have already filed a complaint with law enforcement authorities based on collected posts and comments from online communities and social media. The agency plans to continue gathering evidence and submitting additional complaints in the future.

KOZ Entertainment firmly denied the recent rumors surrounding Zico, emphasizing their commitment to taking strong legal measures. They will be collecting evidence through fan reports and their own monitoring to identify the perpetrators of malicious posts. The agency stressed that there will be “no leniency or agreement” and that they will hold those responsible accountable “even if it takes time.”

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