Virtual K-pop group PLAVE's agency to pursue legal action against defamation and stalking
PLAVE, a K-pop boy band made up of digital avatars produced with Unreal Engine, has made a name for itself as a notable virtual group in the music industry. PLAVE's cutting-edge visuals and rising fans continue to push the boundaries of what a K-pop group can be.
Their agency, VLAST, recently published a clear statement on social media, stating plans to take aggressive legal action in response to continuous nasty behavior directed at the organization. This includes defamation, the unlawful sharing of personal information, and stalking. The agency reassured supporters that it is taking the appropriate precautions to protect the group and its members.
PLAVEJP 1ST SINGLE「かくれんぼ」Concept Photo A - PLAVEDigital Release 2025.06.16Album Release 2025.07.09#PLAVE #プレイブ#PLAVE_JP_1ST_SINGLE#PLAVE_Kakurenbo pic.twitter.com/hsXPZH1gM8
Statement from VLAST
The agency shared the notice on X (formerly known as Twitter), and the message below is translated from Korean to English.
"On May 15, VLAST released the following statement: VLAST is continuously monitoring and taking firm legal measures against malicious acts targeting PLAVE members, including defamatory and insulting comments, the unauthorized disclosure of personal information, and stalking behaviors (or 'sasaeng behaviors') that threaten the artists' privacy and safety.
PLAVE(플레이브) 보호를 위한 법적 조치 안내🔗 https://t.co/X9O19y5dqV pic.twitter.com/eNIvUSRPoR
"Regarding previous legal actions, we have received court rulings acknowledging civil liability for damages following the conclusion of criminal proceedings. We intend to follow through thoroughly with the enforcement process. In addition, in March 2025, we filed legal complaints against individuals who disclosed personal details and posted malicious content about PLAVE members. Several suspects have been identified, and investigations are currently underway nationwide. For these cases as well, we will uphold a zero-tolerance policy and pursue both criminal penalties and civil damage claims to the fullest extent.
"Moreover, we have recently confirmed ongoing stalking behavior by certain individuals who have attempted to follow or approach PLAVE members. Such actions pose a serious threat to the physical and mental safety of the artists and are clearly criminal acts that cannot be justified under any circumstances. In response, we have secured evidence, including CCTV footage and car dashcam recordings, and are prepared to file criminal charges under the Stalking Punishment Act. For repeat offenders, we will seek the maximum punishment allowed by law, including potential imprisonment.
PLAVEJP 1ST SINGLE「かくれんぼ」Mood Teaser A Digital Release 2025.06.16Album Release 2025.07.09#PLAVE #プレイブ#PLAVE_JP_1ST_SINGLE#PLAVE_Kakurenbo pic.twitter.com/I1VQsvoJ8q
"Sharing members' travel routes or private information, approaching their accommodations or vehicles, and taking unauthorized photos in private settings are all clear violations of their privacy and can never be condoned. We ask all fans to help foster a respectful and healthy fan culture.
"We sincerely thank you for your continued support and valuable reports. The company will remain fully committed to protecting the rights and interests of our artists and promoting a sound fan environment. Thank you".
About PLAVE
The virtual K-pop boy band consisting of Yejun, Noah, Eunho, Bamby, and Hamin, has quickly risen to prominence since their debut in 2023. The group has made TV appearances, performed at concerts, and earned a spot on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
Their latest release, Caligo Pt.1, became a major success in South Korea, selling over one million copies in its first week and breaking streaming records.
PLAVE3rd Mini Album'Caligo Pt.1''Dash' M/V🔗 https://t.co/cJG6qVbs6W2025.02.03 MON 6PM (KST)#PLAVE #플레이브#Dash_PLAVE #Dash_Caligo_Pt1#PLAVE_3rd_Mini_Album#Caligo_Pt1 pic.twitter.com/xU1m3OcvMA
What sets PLAVE apart from most virtual groups is the use of real-time human control behind their avatars. Through motion-capture and advanced technology, performers bring the group's singing and movements to life on stage and screen.
Despite this human element, their agency VLAST keeps the identities of the individuals behind the avatars strictly confidential.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Tom Cruise reflects on his 30-year Mission Impossible journey, fans wonder if it is a farewell message
Hollywood star Tom Cruise is taking a moment to reflect on his 30-year journey with the Mission: Impossible franchise, as the latest instalment, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, performs well globally. His note has sparked speculation among fans, leaving them wondering if it's a farewell message from the actor. Also read: Is Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning final film in franchise? Angela Bassett says, 'you can't count Tom Cruise out' Tom shared a heartfelt message on social media platforms Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude to everyone involved in the Mission: Impossible franchise. He confessed that the films took him on an 'adventure of a lifetime". Tom shared a nostalgic photo collection from the Mission: Impossible franchise, featuring every director he's worked with on the films, alongside action-packed and behind-the-scenes moments that highlight the camaraderie and adventure of the series. The photos showcase Tom performing breathtaking stunts throughout the Mission: Impossible films, including hanging upside down, sitting atop the Burj Khalifa, jumping from a plane, and hanging off a cliff by a single rock. Sharing the images, Tom wrote, 'Over 30 years ago, I began the journey of producing my first film, Mission: Impossible. Since then, these eight films have taken me on the adventure of a lifetime'. 'To the incredible directors, actors, artists, and crews across the globe that have helped bring these stories to life, I thank you. It has been a privilege to work alongside you all. Most importantly, I want to thank the audience, for whom it is our great pleasure to create these films, and for whom we all serve. We're thrilled to share The Final Reckoning with you,' he added. A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise) The post has left fans nostalgic about the iconic franchise, thanking Tom for the thrilling ride. However, the tone has also sparked speculation, making fans wonder if Tom is bidding a final farewell to the role of Ethan Hunt. Filmmaker Farah Khan wrote, 'I want to be the BURJ KHALIFA.. Tommmmmm', and actor Ishaan Khatter shared, 'This post just goes so hard. Absolute legend. I doff my hat, sir. Thank you for being an inspiration to generations of actors like myself'. 'From the beginning to the final reckoning,' one comment read, with another reading, 'This is so epic dude…we need to see more of these retro moments. Blows my mind'. 'It was a good run,' shared one. One social media user wrote, 'You know you still have to go in to space for real, so you have to do one more mission'. 'Sad that it has to come to an end,' one fan shared. Tom returned as Ethan Hunt to save the day and escape trouble in Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning. Christopher McQuarrie, who has directed every movie in the series since Rogue Nation, helmed this film, which was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Mission: Impossible 7 and 8 were initially shot as Dead Reckoning—Part One and Two, but after the seventh film, it was retitled. It also stars Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klemetieff, Shea Whigham, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman and Greg Tarzan Davis. The film was released in India on May 17. The opening ticket sales for the Tom-starrer set a record for the franchise, which has generated more than $4 billion worldwide. Box Office Mojo reported that the film earned $77 million domestically in its four-day opening weekend, and $204 million worldwide.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Retro' OTT release: Netizens flood Twitter with praise for Suriya's standout performance
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Suriya and Karthik Subbaraj 's much-anticipated film Retro has finally dropped on OTT, and the internet can't stop buzzing. After its digital release, the film has found fresh love from audiences, with Twitter turning into a fan celebration zone praising Suriya's electrifying performance. 'No one can beat Suriya as a performer' Fans took to social media to share their excitement, with one Twitter user writing, 'I bet, no one can beat Suriya as a performer. #Retro.' Another enthusiast chimed in with, 'The ONE Power House #Retro.' For some, the film was so engaging they didn't want it to end — '#Retro movie finish aanadhe theriyala, innuum 1 hr erundha kuda parthrupen, even vitla ellarum so invested… enda arivaali loosunga padam romba perisu, lack nu sonnadhu!? thayavu seidhu nengalaam padame parkatinga or ungalukunu sila padam erukum adhapoi paarunga #Suriya. ' Suriya: 'Face Card At His 50' Suriya's presence has undeniably become the heartbeat of 'Retro'. One fan summed it up perfectly on Twitter: 'FACE CARD AT HIS 50 @Suriya_offl #Retro.' While some viewers wished the latter half of the film had tighter writing, the consensus is clear: Retro is a must-watch for Suriya fans and cinema lovers alike. 'Just makes one want to stand up and applaud' Beyond the Twitter praise, 'Retro' has also been applauded for its technical brilliance. ETimes, which rated the film 3 stars, highlighted a remarkable 15-minute single-shot sequence packed with 'song and dance, heated conversation and tense action' — a moment that, as the review puts it, 'just makes one want to stand up and applaud.' In our official review, the film's cinematographer Shreyaas Krishna was lauded for delivering 'striking visuals,' especially during a memorable action scene set in a bioluminescent sea. Music director Santhosh Narayanan, too, has been singled out for 'foot-tapping numbers and a rousing background score that elevates even the weaker moments.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Elon Musk's ex Grimes cancels Pride show over 'mysterious' family crisis; know if Musk is involved
Elon Musk's ex Grimes cancels Pride show over 'mysterious' family crisis Elon Musk 's ex-partner, Canadian singer-songwriter and avant-pop artist Grimes has officially withdrawn from her scheduled performance at the WorldPride Music Festival in Washington, D.C., just days before the highly anticipated event. The 37-year-old artist, who was expected to perform on Saturday, June 7, alongside other high-profile acts including Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, Sofi Tukker, Raye, and a DJ set from RuPaul, cited 'family issues' as the reason for her sudden departure. Grimes, born Claire Boucher, expressed deep regret to her fans in an official statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account, promising to make amends for the last-minute change. This unexpected cancellation has sparked intense speculation and curiosity online, especially because of Grimes' long-standing and often tumultuous relationship with billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, with whom she shares three children. While the exact nature of her family issues remains undisclosed, many online have pointed fingers at Musk, wondering if ongoing co-parenting disputes or prior public disagreements may be at play. Elon Musk's ex Grimes cancels Pride performance, here's what she said Grimes took to her official X account on May 28, 2025, to inform fans about her decision to cancel her performance. In a sincere and emotional message, she wrote: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo 'Hello friends, I am so so sorry and regretful to say I have to cancel my Pride show in order to deal with family issues. I want to say that I am aware the situation has been a great inconvenience to the fans for some time, and I am truly determined to make sure this is no longer the case very soon. I think the show is still going to be amazing and the lineup is great. I hope this is early enough and gives people enough time if they wish to change their plans. And I will make this up to you guys very soon.' This announcement came as a surprise, especially given Grimes' known enthusiasm for Pride events and her vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights. She has previously spoken about her deep connection to queer culture and even credited LGBTQ+ communities for helping shape her music and aesthetic identity. WorldPride sends love to Grimes, Festival continues without replacement In the wake of her cancellation, the organizers of the WorldPride Music Festival released a brief yet supportive statement. Shared with Billboard, the message read: 'We're sending love and support to Grimes during this time as she steps away to focus on personal matters. We fully support her decision and are thinking of her and her family.' As of now, no replacement performer has been announced for her time slot on June 7, and it is unclear whether the schedule will be adjusted or filled with a surprise act. Despite the unexpected change, organizers emphasized that the rest of the festival will proceed as planned, showcasing a strong lineup of LGBTQ+ talent and allies. Speculation over the 'family issues': Is Elon Musk involved? While Grimes has not provided any details regarding the nature of her "family issues," online speculation quickly turned to her former partner, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and owner of X. The two share three children—X Æ A-Xii (X), Exa Dark Sideræl (Y), and Techno Mechanicus (Tau)—and have had a complex, on-again-off-again relationship that has played out, at times, publicly. Notably, in late 2023, Grimes made headlines for criticizing Musk in a now-deleted X post, accusing him of ignoring medical concerns about their son. She wrote: "Tell Elon to let me see my son or plz respond to my lawyer. I have never been allowed to see a photo of these children until this moment, despite the situation utterly ripping my heart in two." Although the post was later removed, it triggered a wave of public concern about the co-parenting dynamics between Musk and Grimes. Since then, the two have remained largely quiet on the issue, but the tensions clearly haven't entirely subsided. With this history in mind, many netizens believe the 'family matters' referenced in her recent cancellation may involve ongoing disputes with Musk regarding custody, visitation, or decision-making about their children's health and wellbeing. Impact on LGBTQ+ fans and community Grimes has long cultivated a fan base that overlaps heavily with LGBTQ+ communities. Her withdrawal from a cornerstone Pride event is not just a scheduling inconvenience—it's also an emotional letdown for many fans who saw her as a symbol of queer-aligned creativity and resistance to traditional norms. However, most fans have responded to her decision with understanding and compassion. On X, users left supportive messages like, 'Take care of yourself and your family first. We'll always be here when you're ready.' Another user commented, 'We love you, Grimes. Don't apologize for putting your family first.' Still, some expressed disappointment, particularly from those who had made travel and accommodation arrangements based on her appearance. Her promise to 'make it up' to fans may hint at future performances or exclusive content to compensate for the cancellation. Who else is performing at WorldPride 2025 Despite Grimes' absence, WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C. still boasts a star-studded lineup. Scheduled for June 6–7, the two-day event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees from around the world. The main performers include: Troye Sivan – Australian pop icon and openly gay performer Kim Petras – Grammy-winning German singer and trans rights advocate Raye – British singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocal range Sofi Tukker – Electro-pop duo celebrated for their energetic live sets RuPaul – Drag superstar and media mogul set to DJ a headline dance set In addition to music, the festival will feature panels, parades, art installations, and community outreach activities focused on uplifting queer voices and celebrating diversity. What comes next for Grimes While fans may be disappointed, the long-term impact on Grimes' career is likely minimal—especially if she follows through on her promise to 'make it up' soon. She has a strong track record of artistic reinvention and public resilience. Her upcoming album 'Book 1: Dune Edition' remains highly anticipated, and her involvement in AI-based music projects continues to evolve. However, the scrutiny around her relationship with Elon Musk is unlikely to disappear, especially if their personal matters continue to affect public engagements. Given Musk's own media controversies and legal entanglements, Grimes' statement has only added fuel to the speculative fire surrounding the tech mogul's family affairs. Also read | Elon Musk exits DOGE: Inside the chaotic end of Elon's $2 trillion government mission AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
