In a firm demonstration of its ongoing commitment to artist protection, SM Entertainment has issued a public update on the legal measures it is pursuing against individuals responsible for malicious online behavior directed at its artists.
The statement, released on October 2, 2025, outlines the entertainment company’s aggressive and methodical legal approach in the face of continued online harassment, slander, defamation, and privacy violations.
This update marks one of the most decisive steps taken by a K-pop agency in the fight against cyberbullying and harmful digital conduct targeting idols and entertainers.
Strong Statement, Stronger Action
In the official release, SM Entertainment addressed the pressing issue of malicious posts and comments—including the spreading of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, deepfakes, personal attacks, invasion of privacy, and other illegal activities.
These actions, the company emphasizes, are not only damaging to the mental and emotional well-being of artists but also constitute serious criminal offenses.
As of September 30, 2025, SM confirmed that it has filed over 200 criminal complaints with relevant investigative authorities.
These cases were meticulously selected following a thorough review of hundreds of thousands of posts sourced from both internal monitoring and fan-submitted reports.
The legal efforts are being carried out in collaboration with Shin & Kim LLC, a prominent South Korean law firm.
SM emphasized that while some lawsuits are already in progress, the legal process—spanning investigations, trials, and verdicts—takes time.
Due to this, not all details can be disclosed in real-time.
However, the company has promised to provide updates periodically, while still protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Fan Involvement and ‘KWANGYA 119’
A crucial part of SM’s ongoing monitoring process has been the active participation of fans.
Through a reporting system called “KWANGYA 119,” fans can directly submit evidence of harmful content they find online.
This collaborative approach has helped SM build a robust case file against persistent offenders across multiple online platforms.
The company expressed gratitude to fans for their vigilance and support, acknowledging their role in safeguarding their favorite artists.
A Broad Scope: Domestic and International Platforms
SM’s legal crackdown spans across a wide range of online platforms, both domestic and international, including:
- Naver
- Daum Cafes
- Nate Pann
- TheQoo
- Instiz
- DC Inside
- MLB Park
- FM Korea
- X (formerly Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
This extensive list reveals the scale at which online harassment occurs and underscores SM’s intention to hold perpetrators accountable no matter where the misconduct takes place.
Artists Under Protection
SM clarified that its legal protection extends to its entire roster of active and former artists, including:
- Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior
- Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO
- Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV
- aespa, RIIZE, NCT WISH
- Hearts2Hearts, Lucas, Seunghan
The company reassured the public that it will pursue both civil and criminal action against anyone who causes emotional or physical harm to its artists.
There will be no leniency or out-of-court settlements for clear violations, regardless of intent or apology.
By naming a wide range of artists, from first-generation legends to newer debuts, SM emphasizes a comprehensive commitment to its entire talent family.
Raising the Industry Standard
SM’s approach reflects a larger trend in the K-pop industry, where companies are increasingly taking proactive legal steps to shield artists from malicious behavior online.
The move aligns with growing public awareness of the psychological toll such negativity takes on entertainers, particularly in a high-pressure industry like K-pop.
While the fight against cyberbullying in Korea remains ongoing, SM’s legal action sends a powerful message to both fans and detractors: harmful behavior will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face real consequences.
A Call for Continued Support and Awareness
In conclusion, SM Entertainment called upon fans and the public to remain engaged, avoid participating in or spreading harmful content, and continue reporting malicious activities through official channels.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to defending its artists’ dignity, privacy, and mental health at every level.
“We will continue to do our utmost to protect the rights and interests of our artists in all aspects. We ask for your continued interest and cooperation,” the statement concluded.
As the digital space continues to evolve, this strong stance by SM Entertainment not only sets a precedent but also reinforces the importance of shared responsibility between entertainment agencies, fans, and platforms in cultivating a healthier and safer online environment for everyone.
