SM Entertainment Takes Strong Action Against Malicious Comments Targeting aespa

SM Entertainment has announced a firm response to the rampant malicious comments, sexual harassment, and false rumors directed at their girl group aespa. As of June 5, the company revealed that some offenders have already received guilty verdicts, including prison sentences.

In a statement on their official social media, SM Entertainment shared, "Through reports from fans and our own monitoring, we have collected evidence of harmful posts, comments, deepfakes, sexual harassment, and defamation related to aespa, and we have filed lawsuits based on this evidence." They further noted that multiple defendants have been identified and investigations are ongoing, with some facing sentences of three years in prison, five years of probation, and fines.

The company emphasized, "We have secured a substantial amount of evidence and are preparing for additional legal actions," warning against any involvement, direct or indirect, in the dissemination of false information, sexual harassment, or insults.

Recently, aespa member Karina found herself at the center of political controversy, leading to a surge in negative comments. Last month, she posted a photo on social media wearing a jumper with the red number '2', which some supporters of the People Power Party claimed was a form of political expression, prompting a strong backlash. SM Entertainment attempted to mitigate the situation by cautioning against over-interpretation, but the controversy escalated beyond expectations.

SM Entertainment has maintained a strict 'zero tolerance' policy towards malicious comments aimed at their artists and has expressed a strong commitment to holding those responsible accountable in the case of aespa.

Here is the full statement from SM Entertainment:

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to update you on the legal actions we are taking regarding malicious posts and comments, deepfakes, and defamation, insults, and sexual harassment against our artist aespa.

We have been collecting evidence of harmful posts and comments about aespa through reports from fans and our own monitoring, and we have filed lawsuits for defamation, insults, and the distribution of edited false videos.

Many of the defendants have been identified, and investigations are ongoing, with some cases resulting in sentences of three years in prison, five years of probation, and fines.

We have gathered substantial evidence against those who post malicious content, including false information, insults, and harassment on personal social media accounts and various online communities, as well as those who spread fake news and rumors through videos and images. We are preparing for legal action.

We urge you not to be involved, directly or indirectly, in such illegal activities. Thank you."