Tablo controversy to be investigated

By Lee Hyo-sik

Prosecutors have launched an investigation into a group of netizens who have raised doubts on the educational background and nationality of singer Tablo, leader of the hip-hop group Epik High.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said Monday that the singer filed a libel lawsuit against 22 netizens on Aug. 18, adding the Seocho Police Station is currently looking into the case.

It said investigators are trying to verify the identity of the 22 Internet users by tracing their Internet protocol addresses.

A police officer said investigators will check the legality of the postings on a website, which raised questions about Tablo's academic background and dual citizenship, which is illegal here. The police will summon those involved for questioning as soon as their identities are confirmed.

The move came after Internet users refused to remove a series of postings in cyberspace, which were defamatory and malicious to the singer. Early this month, Tablo vowed to take legal action against them unless they deleted them.

On Aug. 27, the netizens asked the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office to investigate allegations that Tablo, whose real name is Lee Sun-woong, lied about his school records and dual citizenship.

A prosecution official there said it had reviewed three petitions against the 31-year old singer.

Since June, Tablo has been accused by netizens of falsely promoting himself as a graduate of Stanford University and dodging mandatory military service by getting Canadian citizenship.

Netizens also speculate that he benefited from his Korean citizenship occasionally even after he had acquired Canadian citizenship.