[Provided by CP Entertainment]
[Provided by CP Entertainment]

Entertainer Lee Su-ji announced her return through her YouTube channel and SNS amid a controversy over alleged political bias, as her agency said it would take strict action against malicious online attacks targeting her.

CP Entertainment said in a statement Tuesday that it had confirmed a steady stream of malicious posts and comments targeting Lee on online communities and SNS, including defamatory content, personal attacks and the spread of false information. "As this constitutes a serious infringement on the artist's reputation and rights, we are closely monitoring all related matters and responding thoroughly," the agency said.

The agency also made clear it would pursue all necessary legal measures, including civil and criminal action, through legal counsel against anyone who writes, distributes or spreads malicious posts or comments.

"We will respond strictly under a zero-tolerance policy, with no leniency or settlement," CP Entertainment said. "We will continue to do our utmost to protect the rights and interests of our artists."

The controversy was sparked by a video posted in July on Lee's YouTube channel "Hot Issue Ji," in which she portrayed a civil servant character named Kim Ji-young.

In the video, Kim Ji-young tells a member of the public to stop after the person shouts "re-election." The scene drew criticism online, with some arguing it portrayed those calling for a re-election — following a ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections — as troublesome complainants.

Lee posted an apology on "Hot Issue Ji" on Aug. 1, saying she was "sincerely sorry for the disappointment and discomfort this has caused many people." She added that she would "take this matter seriously, take sufficient time to regroup, and return with a more careful and responsible attitude."

Lee announced her comeback on Aug. 25 through a video titled "Tteuntteun Unni's Health-Unrelated Life Tips," roughly a month after the controversial video.


balme@heraldcorp.com