In a decisive move to protect its artists, SM Entertainment has issued an official update on its ongoing legal efforts against online abuse targeting girl group aespa, marking a significant chapter in the K-pop industry’s growing battle against digital harassment.
On June 5, 2025, the agency released a comprehensive statement outlining the status of multiple legal cases filed in response to malicious online content aimed at the members of aespa.
These include defamatory remarks, false rumors, sexual harassment, deepfake videos, manipulated photos, and other forms of online abuse, which have increasingly plagued idols in the digital age.
According to the statement, SM has been collecting evidence through fan reports and independent monitoring, and has taken legal action by filing complaints under several charges, including defamation, insult, and the illegal editing and distribution of content.
The agency confirmed that numerous individuals have been identified and are now being investigated.
Crucially, some cases have already resulted in guilty verdicts. Offenders have received serious penalties, such as three-year prison sentences with five years of probation and fines.
These court decisions demonstrate that the legal system is starting to respond with greater gravity to the issue of cyberbullying and digital harassment of public figures.
SM emphasized that it will not be stopping here. In fact, the company is currently preparing further legal action based on additional evidence related to:
- Posting and spreading false information,
- Engaging in sexual harassment and mocking language,
- Sharing manipulated or fake media,
- Publishing personal attacks across social media platforms and online communities.
The agency also issued a clear warning to those participating in or contributing to such harmful behavior.
Whether directly involved or enabling these actions online, individuals will be held accountable under the law.
“We strongly urge everyone not to become directly or indirectly involved in such illegal activities,” the statement read.
This move follows a broader industry trend where K-pop agencies are increasingly turning to legal means to protect their artists from the damaging effects of unchecked online behavior.
However, SM’s statement stands out for its transparency, severity of the punishments disclosed, and its commitment to ongoing enforcement.
naespa, one of SM’s leading girl groups, has risen to international fame with hits like Next Level, Savage, and Drama, making them frequent targets of both admiration and malicious attention online.
Fans—known as MYs—have long called for stronger protections for the group, and this statement reflects the agency’s acknowledgment of that responsibility.
In an era where digital content can quickly spread and cause real-world harm, SM Entertainment’s firm legal stance sets a powerful precedent, not just for its own artists, but for the entire K-pop industry.
It serves as a reminder that online hate has real consequences, and protecting artists’ mental health and personal safety is no longer optional—it’s necessary.
