KPop Group Highlight Apologizes After Fan Club Data Breach

Highlight’s Agency Breaks Silence After Fan Data Leak

Three weeks after a personal data breach affecting fan club members, Around Us Entertainment, the agency of K-pop group Highlight, has finally issued an official apology.

In a public statement on June 21, Around Us said, “We sincerely apologize for the recent personal information leak involving some members of the fifth official fan club, ‘LIGHT’.”

What Happened: Accidental Exposure During SBS Inkigayo Recording

The incident occurred during the application process for the pre-recording of SBS Inkigayo on June 2. According to the agency, a file containing the participant list and eligibility verification data was mistakenly uploaded and briefly exposed online. Although the file was quickly deleted and replaced after the error was noticed, sensitive information had already been compromised.

“We deeply regret our failure to immediately take follow-up action, which led to distress among the affected fans,” the agency added.

Precautionary Measures and Apology

Around Us urged fans to report cases of suspected misuse of personal data—such as identity theft, phishing, spam, or malware—via a designated support email. The agency also warned fan club members to remain vigilant against potential secondary damages.

“We recognize the severity of this breach and will enhance our data protection systems to prevent future occurrences,” Around Us emphasized. “We offer our deepest apologies once again for causing concern due to insufficient security measures.”

Highlight: From BEAST Origins to Modern-Day Legacy

Highlight originally debuted in 2009 as the group BEAST under a different label. Following the formation of their new agency, Around Us, the group rebranded and continues to promote as a four-member act.