Days after dating rumours linking BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter resurfaced online, SM Entertainment has finally issued a firm statement, one that fans view as the agency’s first direct response to the controversy from Winter’s side. Until now, both SM and BIGHIT Music had maintained a “no comment” position even as speculation and fan wars intensified across social media.
On December 10, SM Entertainment announced sweeping legal action against malicious posts targeting Winter, warning against defamation, sexual harassment, character attacks, and the spread of fabricated rumours.
Here's the complete statement.
"Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to provide an update on the legal actions being taken to protect the rights and interests of our artist, aespa’s Winter. Through valuable reports submitted by fans via ‘KWANGYA 119’ and our own monitoring, we are fully aware of the seriousness of the ongoing malicious posts and comments related to our artist (including sexual harassment, defamation, personal attacks, insults, invasion of privacy, deepfakes, etc.).
In particular, we have identified numerous acts damaging Winter’s character and reputation, as well as malicious postings and sexually harassing content made with the intention of publicly slandering the artist, on platforms such as DC Inside, Women’s Generation, Nate Pann, Instiz, Theqoo, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. After reviewing these posts, we will be expanding the filing of complaints in stages.
Also Read: aespa's Winter fansite's alleged private messages about relationship with BTS' Jungkook get LEAKED
Additionally, our company is proceeding with criminal complaints and civil claims against individuals who have created malicious posts about aespa on the platforms mentioned above. We have also secured large amounts of evidence regarding the creation of malicious rumors, repeated spreading of false information, sexually harassing posts, and mocking or distorted content produced and distributed through personal social media, online communities, and anonymous forums. We will be responding strongly and without leniency, so we ask that you exercise caution to avoid being involved in any such incidents. We will continue to make every effort in all areas to protect the rights and interests of our artists. Thank you."
In its statement, SM wrote, “We would like to provide an update on the legal actions being taken to protect the rights and interests of our artist, aespa’s Winter… We are fully aware of the seriousness of the ongoing malicious posts and comments related to our artist, including sexual harassment, defamation, personal attacks, invasion of privacy, deepfakes, and more.”
Also Read: aespa’s Winter attends fansign as dating rumours with BTS’ Jungkook dominate online buzz
The agency said it had tracked harmful content across major platforms including DC Inside, Women’s Generation, Nate Pann, Instiz, Theqoo, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Many of these posts, it noted, were explicitly intended to damage Winter’s reputation.
SM confirmed it would be expanding its legal complaints in phases, adding that both criminal and civil proceedings are underway against individuals posting false or harmful content about aespa members. “We have secured large amounts of evidence… We will be responding strongly and without leniency,” the agency emphasised.
The statement urges the public to avoid contributing to hateful or speculative content, adding, “We will continue to make every effort in all areas to protect the rights and interests of our artists.”
The latest controversy began when online users circulated supposed “evidence” suggesting Jungkook and Winter were dating, including claims that both idols had matching dog tattoos.
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