Organizers and sponsors who used trucks to defame Jungkook will be punished under South Korea's criminal law

 

On this day, the fronts of HYBE's headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul and SM Entertainment's building in Seongdong-gu, Seoul lit up with LED screens. The reason was a series of protest trucks sent by a portion of fans angered by the dating rumors involving Jungkook and aespa's Winter, which have recently been spreading widely.

Idols today are no longer facing only malicious attacks on social media—hatred expressed through words has now envolved into physical actions. Some toxic fans crowdfunded money to send trucks displaying harsh criticism on electronic screens directly in front of the artists an their agencies.

For ARMY, the protest trucks were shocking—not only because they used the fandom's name, but because the messages targeted Jungkook in an extremely hostile manner. Some even demanded that he be removed from the group. Messages recorded on the 11th included: "If you're not going to remove your matching tattoo, then don't participate in BTS promotions anymore," "All the ARMYs who waited for you throughout your military service are only met with your disregard," and "Are you thinking clearly when you act in ways that disrespect fans and harm the group."

"Protest trucks" have become a familiar sight in idol fandom culture whenever a rumor surfaces—regardless of whether it is true. However, that does not mean this action is legal or acceptable. Personal attacks that cross the line, as in this case, can be subject to punishment under the law. From the masterminds to the message writers and even the financial supporters, none are exempt from legal responsibility.

According to legal experts,  the first individuals who would face accountability are the organizers and executors of the protest. Article 307 of the Korean Criminal Acts states that publicly spreading information that harms another person's reputation is a criminal offense.

Displaying statements such as "they're dating" or "they deceived fans" on large LED screens is highly likely to be deemed an act made in public. In particular, expressions like "deceiving fans" or "if you want to date loudly, live like an ordinary person" may constitute defamation or insult. As the primary instigators who orchestrated the entire process, the organizers would find it difficult to avoid criminal liability.

The individuals who wrote the messages are not safe either. Korean courts recognize that when two or more people participate in a crime, if they intend to contribute to the act—even without directly carrying it out—they may be considered accomplices. Therefore, if the organizers and the writer of the content are the different people, both may be charged as co-perpetrators of defamation.

The issue becomes more complicated when it comes to those who "only donated money." Truck protests are typically funded through online crowdfunding. Even fans who contributed as little as 10,000 or 20,000 ($6.77 or $13.53) may face legal concequences. Legal professionals emphasize that the key factor is whether donors were aware of the specific content of the protest (the message, the location, etc.) before contributing.

If the fundraising notice explicitly stated that it was a "protest against XXX's dating rumor" with inflammatory messages, and donors still agreed to participate, they could be considered aiders or even accomplices. Providing financial support to someone preparing to commit defamation can be viewed as handling them the "weapon" needed to commit the crime.

In the past, Korean courts have ruled that individuals who supported travel expenses for participants in an illegal assembly could be punished as aiders. This shows that the reasoning "I only wanted to show support" may not hold up.

Protest trucks are often carried out in the name of love for an idol. But when the content crosses legal boundaries, those actions can be considered criminal offenses. It is time for those who wish to participate in such movements to think more carefully.

Meanwhile, BTS fans are urging HYBE to speak up or take appropriate legal action to protect Jungkook from malicious, targeted attacks ahead of the group's comeback. Many argue that the company's prolonged silence has unintentionally allowed defamatory acts and harmful rumors to spread. Some fans point out that stronger measures and needed—from identifying those behind the truck campaign to filling lawsuits that set a deterrent precedent.

This situation has also sparked a broader discussion about the responsibility of entertainment companies in protecting their artists from increasingly sophisticated forms of harassment. As the line between "personal opinion" and "deliberate attack" becomes blurred, many legal experts believe that early and decisive actions is necessary to prevent more serious consequences for the artist's reputations, mental health, and safety.

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Couple tattoos = deceiving fans.
Jeon Jungkook,
leave BTS

We waited through the military hiatus, and you got a couple tattoo in the army. The worst fan betrayal in history.

Fan betrayal shown in 2025—there's so much on the
truck screen it can't even be captured. You know better
than anyone, right?

Forgetting your duty as an idol,
Jeon Jungkook—is this you show respect to the fans
who waited?

If you're an idol, erase the couple tattoo and get
your act together.
- from BTS fans

If you won't remove the couple tattoo, then step
away from BTS activities.

What returned to ARMY, who waited patiently,
was fan betrayal.

The victims of the damage to the group are
The fans—this is deceptive behaviour. Are you out
of your mind?

Remove the couple tattoo, restore the trust of
the ARMYs that you threw away first.
- from BTS fans