SM Entertainment takes legal action against netizens for negative comments about K-Pop artists including NTC WISH, aespa

The agency released a statement on January 20, outlining its ongoing efforts to combat online abuse and protect the mental well-being of its performers.

• SM Entertainment to sue X users for malicious posts about artists
• Complaints filed against 11 accounts targeting aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH
• Legal action to expand to other platforms and artists beyond X

Did our AI summary help?

SM Entertainment has announced that it will take legal action against specific users on X who allegedly posted malicious content targeting the company’s artists, including aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH.

The agency released a statement on January 20, outlining its ongoing efforts to combat online abuse and protect the mental well-being of its performers. They also stated that they would keep fans informed about reports and legal proceedings.

This announcement comes after the company received numerous complaints regarding defamation, false information, and harassment aimed at its artists across various social media platforms.

Shortly after, SMTOWN’s official social media account issued an announcement addressing malicious comments and identified certain user accounts.

As reported by Koreaboo, SM Entertainment said in its official statement, "Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We have recently confirmed that some users of the X (formerly Twitter) platform have been continuously and repeatedly posting and writing malicious content toward our artists, including the dissemination of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, personal attacks, insults, invasion of privacy, and other such acts. These illegal actions are causing significant mental harm to our artists, and we are proceeding with criminal complaints to take strict measures against such behavior and to protect the rights and interests of our affiliated artists."

The agency emphasized its commitment to addressing harmful behavior, asserting that it would not tolerate ongoing abuse and is taking steps to ensure accountability through legal channels.

SM Entertainment noted that its investigation was supported by fan reports and its internal monitoring system, stating, "Based on valuable reports from fans submitted through ‘KWANGYA 119’ and materials collected via our own monitoring, we carefully reviewed posts and attached images from X accounts."

The company confirmed that it is collaborating with law firm Shin & Kim (SHIN & KIM LLC) and has submitted complaints to authorities, adding, "In particular, in collaboration with the law firm Shin & Kim (SHIN & KIM LLC), we have filed complaints with investigative authorities against a total of 11 accounts that have consistently posted malicious content regarding aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH." SM Entertainment also identified several accounts involved in the case, noting, "These accounts include X users MinGorilla (@huaisl3v), NiMa (@oonhn), YooShe (@BiroChubby), KiJu (@hggeun), cssty (@cssty184701), lkkk (@lkkkk1672981), @erbtbfjdoe, @ibfjdidhhdj, @ncuterenjun, @Ieyanoko, among others."

The agency clarified that its legal measures are not limited to X, stating, "In addition to this current round of filings, we are reviewing malicious posts on various social media platforms targeting our other artists apart from aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH." SM Entertainment further explained, "We are preparing additional criminal complaints and plan to continuously expand the scope of our legal action."

Also read: BTS to perform free at Gwanghwamun Square? BIGHIT MUSIC reacts ahead of comeback album ARIRANG release

In its broader campaign, the company said, "We are also securing extensive evidence regarding the creation and distribution of malicious rumors, false information, mocking, contemptuous, or sexually vulgar posts, and distorted content such as deepfakes across various platforms—not just X but also DC Inside, Naver, Daum Cafe, Nate Pann, Instiz, theqoo, MLB Park, FM Korea, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube." SM Entertainment reiterated, "We plan to continue taking strict legal action without leniency through a series of criminal complaints and civil claims."

Looking ahead, SM Entertainment stated that in 2026, the company would continue to prioritize the protection of its artists’ rights and interests and make every effort across all areas. The statement concluded by requesting the continued interest and cooperation of fans and expressing gratitude.