IU's agency has filed a lawsuit against those who spread malicious rumors about her, firmly stating that they will not be lenient on the offenders. 

On Nov. 19, LOEN Entertainment released a statement regarding the legal action taken on behalf of 22-year-old singer IU (Lee Ji Eun). "We have sued those who spread false reports about IU and distributed altered images of her," the company said. "We filed the lawsuit at a police office in Seoul on Nov. 17." 

LOEN Entertainment further clarified the alleged wrongdoings. "Before and after IU's comeback in October, many netizens were making personal attacks on IU by leaving malicious comments and spreading rumors online," the statement said. "We have continuously monitored the malicious comments and are using that as grounds to file a lawsuit."

"There will be absolutely no leniency granted," LOEN added. "We will strongly retaliate and are considering pursuing criminal punishments."

IU released her EP Chat-Shire on Oct. 23 and was criticized by some due to the lyrics for the song "Zeze" and the theme of her "Twenty-Three" music video. IU has since made an official apology, expressing regret and sorrow for her choice of words, among other things.

This is not the first time that IU has sued anti-fans. In 2013, she sued internet rumor-mongers who were sentenced to 200 hours of community service.