aespa Legal Action Against Defamation and Harassment

On June 5, 2025, SM Entertainment, the agency representing the K-pop group aespa (에스파), announced that they are actively pursuing legal action against malicious posts and comments targeting the group. Through fan reports and their own monitoring, the agency has gathered evidence of defamation, harassment, and the distribution of false edited videos, leading to the filing of lawsuits against several individuals.

The agency revealed that investigations are ongoing, with many defendants already identified. Some cases have resulted in sentences of three years in prison with a five-year probation period, as well as fines. SM Entertainment has collected substantial evidence and is preparing further legal responses, urging the public to refrain from engaging in or supporting such illegal activities.

In a related incident, aespa member Karina (카리나) recently faced backlash after posting a photo on social media wearing a jumper with the red number '2' printed on it. This sparked controversy among supporters of the People Power Party ahead of the June 3 elections, who interpreted her post as a political statement. Both Karina and her agency have cautioned against overinterpretation, but the issue has continued to escalate.

Here is the full statement from SM Entertainment:

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide an update on the legal actions regarding malicious posts, comments, deepfakes, and other forms of defamation, harassment, and sexual harassment against our artist aespa.

We have been collecting evidence of harmful posts and comments through fan reports and our own monitoring, which has led to the filing of lawsuits for defamation, harassment, and the distribution of false edited videos.

Many defendants have been identified, and investigations are ongoing. Some cases have already resulted in guilty verdicts, including sentences of three years in prison with five years of probation and fines.

We have gathered substantial evidence against those who post false information, defamatory comments, and engage in harassment or mockery of aespa across various online platforms, including personal social media accounts. We are preparing legal actions against these individuals.

We urge everyone to avoid any direct or indirect involvement in such illegal activities.

Thank you."