An airline employee and two accomplices have been formally prosecuted for illegally obtaining and selling private flight details of BTS and other top celebrities. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Unit confirmed the case on July 22, 2025, marking a major step in addressing privacy breaches in the entertainment industry.
The suspects, including a foreign airline employee identified as Mr. A, allegedly accessed confidential travel records and sold them to brokers. These brokers then distributed the information through online chat rooms and social media, targeting obsessive fans known as “sasaengs.” The illegal operation reportedly earned the group tens of millions of Korean won (thousands of dollars).
How the Illegal Flight Data Was Leaked and Sold
Police investigations revealed that Mr. A used his position at a foreign airline to access boarding passes, seat numbers, and flight schedules of high-profile celebrities. The data was sold to intermediaries, who then resold it to fans willing to pay for private travel details.
The leaked information allowed sasaeng fans to:
- Book seats on the same flights as celebrities.
- Attempt unwanted in-flight interactions.
- Tamper with meal orders or seat assignments.
- Cancel reservations, disrupting travel plans.
Authorities tracked financial transactions and digital evidence, including chat logs and bank records, to confirm the roles of each suspect.
HYBE’s Strong Response to Protect BTS and Other Artists
BTS’s agency, HYBE, has taken a firm stance against privacy violations. In 2023, the company formed a dedicated task force to track and report illegal sales of flight information. Their investigation identified social media accounts involved in the trade and provided evidence to law enforcement.
“HYBE will take a zero-tolerance approach to the criminal activity of commoditizing and trading artists’ personal information, holding those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law, without any settlement or leniency.”
Thanks to HYBE’s efforts, police arrested Mr. A in February 2025 and two accomplices in March 2025. All three have now been referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office for trial.
The Dangers of Leaked Flight Information for Celebrities
The illegal trade of flight details has been a long-standing issue in the K-pop industry. Sasaeng fans exploit this information to stalk idols, leading to safety risks and disruptions. Past incidents include:
- Fans boarding the same flights to approach celebrities.
- Unauthorized changes to in-flight meals or seating.
- Fake bookings causing last-minute cancellations.
In one extreme case, a stalker of TWICE’s Nayeon managed to board her flight in 2020, prompting her agency to increase security measures.
Legal Consequences and Industry Impact
The prosecution of the airline employee and accomplices sends a strong message against privacy violations. Under South Korean law, unauthorized access and distribution of personal data can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Entertainment companies are now working more closely with airlines and law enforcement to prevent future leaks. Increased digital security measures and stricter internal controls are being implemented to protect artists’ travel information.
What Happens Next in the Case
The suspects face charges under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. If convicted, they could receive significant prison sentences and fines.
HYBE has stated it will continue cooperating with authorities to ensure justice is served. The case highlights the ongoing battle against privacy breaches in the entertainment industry.
Also read: BTS V Stuns Fans With Timeless Looks in 2021 Behind-the-Scenes Concert Video
Credits: Yonhap News, The Daily Jagran, Xportsnews
