SM Entertainment Announces Strict Legal Action Against Malicious Posts And Illegal AI-Generated Images Targeting Lim Yoona And aespa’s Winter

SM Entertainment has shared official statements regarding the legal action they are taking to protect the rights of Lim Yoona and aespa’s Winter.

On September 28, SM Entertainment announced that they had filed criminal complaints against those who create illegal AI-generated images of Lim Yoona and spread false information based on such images. The agency also warned that it will take strong legal action against malicious posts targeting aespa’s Winter.

Read the agency’s statements below:

Regarding Lim Yoona

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide an update regarding violations of the rights of our artist YoonA (Lim Yoona).

We have recently identified additional cases of illegal AI-generated images created by manipulating YoonA’s likeness without her consent, as well as false information based on such images, being indiscriminately created and circulated primarily on social media and online communities.

Through reports submitted by fans via “KWANGYA 119” and our ongoing monitoring, we are continuously collecting and securing evidence of such illegal posts. Based on this evidence, we have already filed criminal complaints and will respond firmly without leniency or settlement.

Not only can creating or posting illegally manipulated content using AI or other technologies without an artist’s consent constitute violations, but sharing, reposting, or spreading such images and posts may also constitute violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, including defamation, infringement of portrait rights, and editing and distribution of fabricated videos under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

We strongly ask that you immediately stop creating or posting illegal manipulated content or unverified false information, as well as sharing or redistributing such content—including through reposts and quote posts on social media, articles containing such images, and uploads to various online communities. Please exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in any legal issues as a result of such activities.

We will continue to closely monitor such activities and take active legal action to protect the rights and reputation of our artists.

Thank you.

Regarding aespa’s Winter

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We hereby issue a stern warning that we will take strong legal action against malicious posts that continue to be circulated about our artist aespa’s Winter.

Currently, malicious posts and content targeting the artist—including the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander and personal attacks, and sexual harassment—continue to be posted across various platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TheQoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Women’s Generation, and Nate Pann. Accordingly, following a thorough review by our legal counsel, we plan to proceed with legal action in stages, including filing criminal complaints.

In addition, we will respond without exception to illegal activities carried out on anonymous forums and social media platforms beyond those mentioned above. Regardless of whether the perpetrators are based in Korea or abroad, we will secure the necessary evidence to identify the authors of the posts and trace how the content was created and circulated, and will request investigations by the relevant authorities. We reiterate that those found to be responsible will face strong legal consequences under our zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to exercise particular caution and refrain from engaging in criminal activities.

Through reports submitted by fans via “KWANGYA 119” and our own monitoring, we are regularly collecting and securing evidence of all posts and content that infringe upon the rights of our artists. We will continue to strengthen our legal response to malicious posts in order to protect the rights and interests of our artists.

Thank you.

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SM Entertainment Announces Strict Legal Action Against Malicious Posts And Illegal AI-Generated Images Targeting Lim Yoona And aespa’s Winter插图

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Mark Lee’s Label Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

Mark Lee’s label UPPER ROOM has announced plans to take legal action against malicious posts and comments targeting the singer.

On September 2, Summer, UPPER ROOM’s in-house lawyer, announced that the label would take firm legal action against malicious content targeting Mark Lee, including posts and comments that constitute cyberbullying.

The label’s full statement is as follows:

Hello, this is Summer, in-house lawyer at UPPER ROOM.

First and foremost, we would like to sincerely thank all the fans for your continued anticipation and love for our artist Mark Lee’s new single “My Friend.”
Like the cool breeze that arrives at the end of a hot summer, we hope this song brings a refreshing and pleasant feeling to your everyday lives.

Since our establishment in the first half of this year, we have been continuously monitoring malicious posts targeting our artist across various online platforms and social media, including malicious slander, the spread of baseless false information, and violations of his personal rights.

At present, the artist is more concerned about the emotional pain and stress that these malicious posts may cause his fans than he is about himself. Accordingly, for the sake of both the artist and his fans, we intend to take firm legal action against malicious posts and comments that constitute cyberbullying.

Moving forward, we promise to continue doing our utmost to ensure that the relationship between the artist and his fans remains centered on the beautiful connection they share through music.

Thank you.

Source (1)


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Celeb,kpop,Mark Leekpop,Mark Lee#Mark #Lees #Label #Announces #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1788363417

Jennie’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s agency has announced that it will be taking legal action against malicious content targeting the singer.

On August 18, OA Entertainment released an official statement announcing that it is currently pursuing both civil and criminal legal action against those responsible for spreading false information, defaming Jennie, maliciously editing or manipulating her photos and videos, violating her privacy, and posting other malicious content targeting the artist. The agency emphasized that there will be no settlement or leniency under any circumstances.

OA Entertainment also encouraged fans to submit reports if they come across similar malicious posts or content targeting Jennie.

The agency’s full statement is as follows:

Jennie’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts插图


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Celeb,BLACKPINK,Jennie,kpopBLACKPINK,Jennie,kpop#Jennies #Agency #Announces #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1787045912

Hyeri’s Agency Shares Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

Hyeri’s agency SUBLIME has shared an update on its ongoing legal action against malicious online activity targeting her.

On August 13, SUBLIME released a statement addressing its continued legal action against individuals responsible for spreading false information and posting defamatory and malicious content about their artist.

Read SUBLIME’s full statement below:

Hello, this is SUBLIME.

We would like to provide an update on the progress of our legal action regarding malicious posts targeting Hyeri.

Based on materials collected through our own monitoring as well as reports submitted by fans, we have continuously pursued legal action since October 2024.

As a result, multiple criminal charges, including violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation) and insult, have been recognized. Depending on the severity of each case, fines have been imposed or the cases have been referred for prosecution.

We are currently monitoring all malicious acts targeting our artists, including defamation, insult, sexual harassment, and the dissemination of false information. Even if we do not announce the progress of complaints or investigations in real time, we would like to inform you that legal action is continuously being taken.

Going forward, we will continue to take strong legal action without leniency or settlement in order to protect the rights and interests of our artist.

Thank you.

Source (1)


Hyeri’s Agency Shares Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posts插图

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Doh Kyung Soo’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

Doh Kyung Soo’s agency has announced that it will be taking legal action against malicious posts targeting the star.

On August 5, Blitzway Entertainment released an official statement stating it will pursue both civil and criminal legal action against those responsible for spreading false information, defamation, sexual harassment, privacy violations, and other malicious content directed at Doh Kyung Soo.

The agency’s full statement is as follows:

Doh Kyung Soo’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts插图

Source (1)

Top Photo Credit: Blitzway Entertainment


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Celeb,Doh Kyung Soo,kpopDoh Kyung Soo,kpop#Doh #Kyung #Soos #Agency #Announces #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1785928897

EPEX’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

C9 Entertainment has warned of strong legal action against malicious posts targeting its artists.

On July 30, C9 Entertainment released the following statement announcing that it would take legal action to protect its artists’ rights:

Hello, this is C9 Entertainment.

We have recently confirmed that serious violations of our artists’ rights—including the spread of false information, defamation, and insults—are being posted across various online platforms, including social media such as X and YouTube.

Based on our own monitoring and reports from fans, we have already collected relevant evidence. After conducting a thorough review, we will pursue all available civil and criminal legal action.

We will respond firmly, without any settlement or leniency, to the repeated posting of malicious content, the organized spread of false information, and any acts that damage our artists’ reputation and dignity.

We will continue to take strong and consistent action against all illegal online activities in order to protect our artists’ safety and rights.

EPEX’s Agency Announces Legal Action Against Malicious Posts插图

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Celeb,C9 Entertainment,EPEX,kpopC9 Entertainment,EPEX,kpop#EPEXs #Agency #Announces #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1785402314

ATEEZ’s Agency Shares Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posts

KQ Entertainment has released a notice regarding the protection of ATEEZ’s rights.

On July 21, KQ Entertainment released an official notice on the protection of their artist ATEEZ and legal action against malicious posts.

Hello.
This is KQ Entertainment.

We continuously monitor the spread of false information, defamation, insults, sexual harassment, invasion of privacy, and other actions that violate the rights of our artists. Based on the evidence we have collected, we are actively pursuing the appropriate legal actions against those responsible.

Recently, we have continued to identify malicious posts, personal attacks, and the spread of false information targeting our artists. In response, we are collecting relevant evidence through our own monitoring as well as reports from fans.

Regardless of whether posts have been deleted or accounts have been set to private or deactivated, all evidence that has already been collected remains subject to review. Any unlawful conduct that is identified will be addressed through legal proceedings without any leniency.

If you find posts or content that may constitute unlawful activity, submit them, along with any supporting evidence, to the designated email address below. We will carefully review all reports and use them to support our legal actions where appropriate.

Report Email: protectkq@gmail.com
Email Subject Format: [Group or Member / Platform / Reason for Report]
Example: ATEEZ / X / Spreading False Information

※ To help us review reports more efficiently, please avoid sending duplicate emails.

We will continue to protect our artists through ongoing monitoring and legal action.

Thank you.

Celeb,ATEEZ,kpopATEEZ,kpop#ATEEZs #Agency #Shares #Update #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1784614019

SM Entertainment Reveals Accounts Already Facing Legal Action Over Malicious Posts

SM Entertainment has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its artists through strong legal action against malicious online activity.

On July 10, SM Entertainment released an update on its ongoing legal efforts against individuals who have violated the rights of its artists. The agency stressed that attempts to evade legal responsibility by deleting posts, deactivating accounts, or making them private will not prevent offenders from being held accountable, adding that it has already secured sufficient evidence and will continue pursuing strict legal action without exception.

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide an update regarding our legal response to acts that infringe upon the rights of our artists.

First, we are aware that some malicious online users have recently attempted to evade legal responsibility through various methods, including deleting or deactivating their accounts, deleting posts, or making their accounts private.

However, no such attempt to circumvent responsibility can exempt anyone from legal liability or punishment. We have already secured sufficient evidence for legal action through real-time evidence collection and are pursuing strong legal measures against all illegal acts, including these attempts to avoid accountability, without exception.

In particular, we would like to inform you that legal complaints have already been filed against the accounts listed below based on reports submitted through KWANGYA 119 regarding violations of our artists’ rights.

[X (formerly Twitter)]
@M *LSIZZYANG, @T *OO1101, @b *inyour, @j *25yongtwt1, @i*ynnyxx, @w *b243090345326, @b *khkhlritawt11, @m *onlightangle0, @m *ngzaihrs, @s *ZMfPG7aYAapLK, @m *yah00, @y *mmy_kpop, @_ *trawluver, @p *dtodmegadance, @K *chKichl5k, @r *seduire, @f *ckjiyoon, @j *stice251030, and 28 more.

[DC Inside]
Male Celebrity Gallery, Female Celebrity Gallery, Girls Planet 999 Gallery, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gallery, Domestic Drama Gallery, Overseas Baseball Gallery, Mini Gallery of Financial Assets, Minor Gallery of Korean Female Idols, Minor Gallery of Female Idol’s Music, Hip Hop Gallery, Minor Gallery of K-pop, Sis Mini Gallery, Fangirl Mini Gallery, ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), ㅇㅇ(1*6.101), ㅇㅇ(2*1.234), ㅇㅇ(2*1.235), ㅇㅇ(2*3.38), ㅇㅇ(2*1.36), ㅇㅇ(1*6.102), ㅇㅇ(1*7.111), ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), 띤갤러(1*8.235), ㅇㅇ (3*.7), ㅇㅇ(2*1.36), ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), 긷갤러(3*.7), and 197 more.

[YouTube]
@l *ve_never_ever, @새*-e4r, @암*, @user -q*9om1bw8y, @w *orldmax, @c *tabolic610, @크*운산도크림, @호*맛쫀드기, @시*아멈춰라-g1r, @*치지마*신아, @H *uuuunm, @w *veissue, and 4 more.

[theqoo]
108 users.

In addition, legal action is also being pursued against users on Naver and Daum Cafes (including Women’s Generation, Jjukbbang Cafe, SoulDresser, Yeosineun Isajung, and Leejongkyuktugi), Nate Pann, Instiz, MLB Park, FM Korea, Instagram, Threads, and other platforms.

To protect the rights and interests of our artists, we carefully review reports submitted by fans through KWANGYA 119 while continuously monitoring and collecting evidence of illegal activities across various platforms, including the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, deepfake content, and copyright infringement. Working alongside our legal representatives, we will continue to gather and review relevant evidence. We will also continue to hold those who commit illegal acts while hiding behind anonymity fully accountable under our strict zero-tolerance policy, with no leniency.

We sincerely thank all the fans who continue to report illegal activities out of love and support for our artists. If you come across any similar cases in the future, we ask that you continue to actively report them through KWANGYA 119.

Thank you.

Celeb,kpop,SM Entertainmentkpop,SM Entertainment#Entertainment #Reveals #Accounts #Facing #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts1783674890

SEVENTEEN’s Agency Shares Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posts And Privacy Violations

SEVENTEEN’s agency PLEDIS Entertainment has provided an update on its ongoing legal action to protect the group’s rights.

On June 26, PLEDIS Entertainment released a statement outlining the progress of its legal proceedings against individuals responsible for spreading false information, posting defamatory and malicious content, and violating the privacy of SEVENTEEN members currently serving in the military.

Hello.
This is PLEDIS Entertainment.

We are continuously pursuing regular and firm legal action against any conduct that infringes upon the rights and interests of SEVENTEEN. Below is an update on our progress as of the second quarter of 2026.

1. Progress of Major Cases Currently Underway
In the case of a defendant who has been indicted on charges of defamation by the publication of false facts regarding the artists, formal trial proceedings are currently underway in court. We will do our utmost to ensure that the defendant receives appropriate punishment. In addition, for other matters that are still under investigation or for which dispositions have not yet been finalized, we will continue to closely cooperate with investigative authorities and respond strictly to ensure that all perpetrators of illegal acts receive appropriate punishment.

2. Strong Response to Fabricated False Information Regarding Private Life and Organized Defamation
We have recently confirmed the widespread dissemination online and on social media of false information and malicious rumors regarding the artists’ movements and private lives. We are proceeding with legal action based on collected and preserved evidence against such posts that seriously damage the artists’ dignity and reputation. In particular, acts that systematically defame specific members, or circulate deliberately manipulated false information as if it were factual, constitute clear criminal conduct that cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We make it clear that we will respond firmly, without any settlement or leniency, not only against the original creators of such malicious posts but also against those who maliciously reproduce and spread them.

3. Protection of Artists Serving in the Military
Through comprehensive monitoring of major online communities, music sites, and short-form platforms, we have collected evidence of posts involving ridicule, sexual harassment, and defamation directed at the artists, and have filed criminal complaints accordingly. In particular, defamation and invasion of privacy targeting members currently fulfilling their mandatory military service are regarded as serious violations that cause significant harm to their service environment and are included as top-priority targets for legal action. Even if posts are deleted after being written in an attempt to avoid punishment, our real-time monitoring system captures and preserves evidence immediately upon posting.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Guidelines for Submitting Fan Reports
We utilize our in-house real-time monitoring system to thoroughly monitor all domestic and international channels, including social media platforms (X, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), domestic online communities and portals (DC Inside, TheQoo, Instiz, Weverse, Naver, Daum, Nate, Ilbe, FMKorea, etc.), and music platforms (Melon, Bugs Music, etc.), for any infringement of the artists’ rights and interests. Malicious posts and comments targeting the artists are continuously preserved without exception, and strict corresponding legal action is being taken.

Defamation of the artists, malicious dissemination of false information, derogatory remarks regarding appearance or nationality, mocking or hateful expressions, and sexual objectification constitute clear criminal acts subject to severe punishment under relevant laws. We reiterate that we will respond strongly, without any leniency, to any illegal conduct that damages the artists’ reputation or dignity.

We sincerely thank fans who continuously send valuable reports through the “HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Website (protect.hybecorp.com).” Such reports provide crucial leads in investigations and identifying offenders. If you encounter malicious posts, we kindly ask that you submit reports with all required information clearly identifiable, as this greatly assists prompt and accurate legal action.

Recommended Evidence Format: a full-screen PC screenshot or PDF (“save as PDF” via the print menu) including URL, full post content, author information, posting date, and capture date.

We sincerely thank all fans who continue to support SEVENTEEN with unwavering love. We will continue to do our utmost to protect our artists and ensure that malicious actors are held accountable under the law.

Thank you.

Celeb,kpop,SEVENTEENkpop,seventeen#SEVENTEENs #Agency #Shares #Update #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts #Privacy #Violations1782450395

STARSHIP Shares Update On Legal Action Against Malicious Posts Targeting Jang Won Young

STARSHIP Entertainment has shared an update on its ongoing legal action against malicious posts targeting IVE’s Jang Won Young.

On June 18, the agency stated that law enforcement authorities have informed the company that investigations related to its ongoing lawsuits are currently underway.

The agency revealed that authorities are in the process of obtaining warrants to secure user information from domestic platforms, and are also pursuing international cooperation procedures to identify users and obtain relevant information from overseas platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).

Hello, this is STARSHIP Entertainment.

We are continuously monitoring and taking legal action against individuals who create and distribute malicious content targeting our artist JANG WON YOUNG.

We have been notified by law enforcement officers that investigations concerning our ongoing lawsuits are underway. Officers are actively working to identify suspects and secure incriminating evidence.

In particular, law enforcement officers are in the process of obtaining warrants to gather user information for domestic platforms, including Naver Blog and DCinside. Officers are also pursuing international cooperation procedures to identify authors and secure relevant information for overseas platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).

We are continuously gathering evidence of conduct and online content that infringes upon the rights of our affiliated artists, both through fan reports and our own monitoring efforts. We are taking the strongest legal action possible, including the filing of criminal and civil cases, against any confirmed cases of criminal conduct. This includes any acts of defamation, insult, sexual harassment and humiliation, dissemination of false information, and invasion of privacy that target our artists.

In addition, we continue to monitor actions that infringe upon the rights of not just JANG WON YOUNG, but all of our artists. We intend to utilize any evidence gathered to pursue the strongest possible legal action, regardless of any efforts to conceal malicious activity. This includes the deletion of posts, deactivation of accounts, and the switching of accounts to private.

We sincerely appreciate your continued interest and reports concerning this matter.

Thank you.

Celeb,IVE,Jang Won Young,kpopive,jang won young,kpop#STARSHIP #Shares #Update #Legal #Action #Malicious #Posts #Targeting #Jang #Won #Young1781813507