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.

Source (1) (2)

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STARSHIP Reveals Defendant Sentenced To Prison Over Fabricated Videos Targeting IVE + Files More Criminal Complaints

STARSHIP Entertainment has shared an update on its ongoing legal action against malicious posts and content targeting IVE.

On September 9, the agency announced that a defendant who had been indicted on criminal charges, including distributing fabricated videos targeting one of its artists, was recently sentenced to imprisonment by the court.

STARSHIP Entertainment also revealed that it had filed additional criminal complaints against individuals who have repeatedly posted and distributed malicious content targeting Jang Won Young, and emphasized that it will continue to pursue necessary civil and criminal legal action against those responsible in accordance with its zero-tolerance policy.

Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.

We are continuously monitoring and taking legal action against acts that infringe upon the rights and interests of our artists, including the dissemination of false information, defamation, insult, sexual harassment, malicious slander, and the creation and distribution of fabricated videos through online platforms and social media.

In connection with these matters, among the cases in which we have taken action through our legal counsel, KIM & CHANG, a defendant who was indicted for criminal offenses including the distribution of fabricated videos targeting one of our artists was recently sentenced by the court to a term of imprisonment.

We responded firmly throughout the investigation and trial proceedings in this case, and going forward, we will hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law, in accordance with our zero-tolerance policy toward serious acts that infringe upon the rights and interests of our artists.

In addition, we have completed the collection of evidence concerning posts and their authors that have continued to disseminate false information or engage in malicious slander across various online communities and social media platforms, including certain YouTube channels and so-called “cyber wreckers” that have repeatedly posted malicious content targeting our artist JANGWONYOUNG. We have filed additional criminal complaints against them today.

This legal action includes acts of repeatedly posting and distributing false information concerning JANGWONYOUNG, as well as acts of continuously disseminating false information about the artist’s character and conduct by distorting portions of recorded footage or adding information that is contrary to the facts, along with engaging in malicious slander and personal attacks.

In particular, we are continuing to collect relevant evidence concerning acts of repeatedly posting or redistributing identical or similar false information even after the objective facts have been confirmed, as well as acts of disseminating false information by arbitrarily editing and distorting portions of video footage.

We will continue to monitor not only the original authors of malicious posts and content, but also the accounts and channels that repeatedly repost and distribute such content, and will take necessary civil and criminal legal action against them. Even when anonymous or pseudonymous accounts or overseas platforms are used, we will pursue the necessary legal procedures regardless of whether the platform is domestic or overseas in order to identify the authors and distributors and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Going forward, we will continue to take proactive legal action to protect the rights and interests of our artists and ensure that they can carry out their activities in a safe environment.

Thank you.

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fromis_9 And Wendy’s Agency Warns Of Firm Legal Action Against Malicious Acts Targeting Their Artists

ASND, the agency representing fromis_9 and Red Velvet’s Wendy, has announced that it will be taking legal action to protect its artists.

On August 19, ASND released an official statement warning that it will take firm action against malicious acts targeting its artists, including malicious slander, the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, and any acts that infringe upon its artists’ rights, regardless of the severity of the case.

Read ASND’s full statement below:

Hello.

This is ASND.

As previously announced, we intend to take strict action against acts targeting our artists, including malicious slander, the spread of false information, defamation, and sexual harassment.

Despite this, we continue to identify malicious posts and comments targeting our artists’ appearances and bodies, including degrading remarks, malicious criticism, sexual objectification, and sexually harassing content.

In particular, acts that violate our artists’ dignity and rights, such as making sexual remarks about or commenting on specific parts of an artist’s body, mocking or degrading their appearance or body, and maliciously spreading false information, cannot be considered simply expressions of opinion or freedom of expression. They constitute clear acts of defamation.

We will continue to collect evidence of malicious posts and comments, including those currently identified as well as any that may be discovered in the future, and will take active measures against any acts that infringe upon our artists’ rights and interests, regardless of the severity of the case.

To protect the dignity and rights of our artists, we will continue to closely monitor malicious activity and take strong action through the necessary legal procedures.

Thank you.

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Court Rules Prison Sentence For Creator Of Deepfake Content Targeting aespa

The individual who created and distributed deepfake content targeting aespa has been sentenced to prison.

On June 18, SM Entertainment announced that the court had sentenced the perpetrator, identified as A, to two years and six months in prison for creating and selling deepfake videos of Karina and Winter for profit.

The Criminal Division 1 of the Daegu High Court also ordered A to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and imposed a seven-year employment ban at institutions related to children and adolescents.

SM Entertainment added that it is continuing to collect evidence against those who spread malicious rumors, false information, sexually harassing content, insults, and manipulated content involving aespa, and that it will pursue legal action against such activities.

Below is SM Entertainment’s full statement:

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to inform you that a guilty verdict has been issued against the defendant in the case involving the creation and sale of deepfake videos of our artists Karina and Winter for profit. The court sentenced the defendant to two years and six months in prison, ordered the completion of 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program, and imposed a seven-year employment restriction from institutions related to children and adolescents.

We closely monitor reports from fans as well as major domestic and international platforms, including Theqoo, Instiz, X (formerly Twitter), DC Inside, Nate Pann, MLB Park, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Ilbe, BobaeDream, FM Korea, Naver, and Daum. As noted in our previous quarterly update, investigations into deepfake-related cases, including this one, have continued to yield meaningful results.

We are also continuously filing complaints with investigative authorities against individuals who post malicious content or comments about our artists for violations of laws including the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, the Information and Communications Network Act, and the Framework Act on Telecommunications.

We have already secured a significant amount of evidence and are working with platforms and relevant institutions to identify anonymous users. We will respond firmly to the spread of malicious rumors and false information, sexual harassment, mockery, and the creation and distribution of manipulated content, without any leniency or settlements.

We will continue to make every effort to protect the rights and interests of our artists.

Thank you.

Source (1)

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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.

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JYP Entertainment Shares Update On Legal Proceedings Against Individuals Targeting Its Artists

JYP Entertainment has shared an update on the agency’s ongoing legal efforts to protect its artists from malicious online activity and stalking.

On May 20, the agency released a statement revealing that it has filed criminal complaints and reports against individuals who created, generated, or distributed malicious content targeting its artists both in South Korea and overseas. According to JYP Entertainment, some individuals are currently under investigation, while others have already been found guilty of violations related to defamation, sexual crimes, and other offenses.

Hello. This is JYP Entertainment.

We are conducting ongoing monitoring and taking strict legal action against various illegal activities targeting our artists.

Through fan reports, our own internal monitoring, and a dedicated malicious content monitoring system, we are detecting and collecting malicious content in real time across major domestic and international online community platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Naver, Nate Pann, Daum Café, TheQoo, DCinside, Ruliweb, FM Korea, MLBpark, Instiz, X, and Bilibili, as well as messaging platforms such as Telegram and KakaoTalk Open Chat. We are continuing to take strong legal action — including criminal complaints and civil claims — against those who create and distribute such malicious content, with a strict policy of zero settlements and zero leniency.

Based on information collected through community platforms, messaging applications, social media channels, and our ethics violations reporting system, we have filed criminal complaints and reports against individuals who created, generated, or disseminated malicious content targeting our artists. These individuals are either currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities or have already undergone serious investigation. Some have already been found guilty of violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, and other related laws, resulting in criminal fines, as well as court-ordered mandatory completion of sexual violence treatment programs, and employment restrictions at institutions related to children and youth.

Legal action against malicious content posted on overseas online platforms and against perpetrators residing abroad, is also being pursued without exception. Specifically, we are continuing to identify individuals responsible for creating such content through domestic court-ordered evidence collection procedures and overseas court discovery proceedings, and we are pursuing monetary damages — both domestically and internationally — against those whose identities have been confirmed.

In this regard, a U.S. court dismissed objections raised by the opposing party on the grounds of “freedom of expression” in relation to our discovery proceedings and ultimately issued an order requiring disclosure of information. This clearly demonstrates that using overseas platforms as a workaround to infringe upon artists’ personal rights, or attempting to justify unlawful conduct under the guise of freedom of expression, will no longer be legally tolerated.

Stalking behavior that threatens the safety of our artists and seriously infringes upon their privacy is also subject to our zero-tolerance approach. Courts have already granted temporary restraining orders against certain perpetrators, and through criminal complaints and reports, we have requested thorough investigations into additional offenses committed during the course of stalking activities. In parallel, we are pursuing civil claims for damages against such perpetrators. We are likewise actively utilizing overseas discovery procedures to pursue legal remedies against stalking perpetrators residing abroad.

As demonstrated above, we maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy, without exception, toward all illegal activities, including the creation, generation, and distribution of malicious content as well as stalking behavior exploiting anonymity. Materials already collected and preserved as evidence will continue to be submitted to domestic and international investigative authorities, regardless of whether the original posts have been deleted, accounts made private, usernames changed, or memberships withdrawn.

We make it unequivocally clear that we will continue to take strong legal action under our zero-tolerance policy against any and all conduct that infringes upon the rights and interests of our artists.

If you discover any unlawful activity infringing upon our artists’ rights and interests, we kindly ask you to report it to our Fan JYP account (fan@jype.com). We also ask for your continued support and cooperation in building a respectful environment in which both artists and fans can take pride.

We sincerely thank you for your continued love and support for JYP Entertainment artists, and will continue to take proactive measures to protect them.

Thank you.

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