SM Entertainment has released an update on its ongoing legal actions to protect its artists from malicious posts, defamation, and sexual harassment on both domestic and international platforms.
The South Korean company issued an official statement on October 12, warning that anonymity on foreign platforms can no longer be used as a way to evade legal responsibility.
SM Entertainment denounces defamatory and sexually harassing content on global platforms
According to the agency, despite previous warnings, content that denigrates or sexually harasses its artists continues to appear on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). The company specifically pointed to YouTube as a space where provocative content is produced indiscriminately, rapidly spreading distorted images of its artists and causing considerable damage.
SM Entertainment stated that it conducted an intensive collection of evidence over approximately three months. During this process, the company completed the identification of accounts and the collection of evidence not only against so-called cyber wreckers—channels that habitually mock or defame artists—but also against accounts that posted short videos or comments of a sexually offensive or personally abusive nature.
Discovery processes in U.S. courts
The agency confirmed that it has hired the law firm Shin & Kim LLC along with a U.S.-based law firm to initiate discovery processes in U.S. courts, with the goal of identifying the individuals behind these accounts. The same procedures are being carried out against several X accounts that have posted malicious content targeting its artists.
SM Entertainment emphasized that it will continue to actively utilize these legal processes and will take action without exception. The company made it clear that legal actions will not only target those who directly posted the content, but also users who participated by leaving comments.
Monitoring of anonymous platforms and complaints filed in South Korea
The agency also affirmed that it will demand full legal accountability from offenders operating on domestic platforms, without out-of-court settlements or leniency. SM Entertainment indicated that it continuously monitors anonymous platforms, including DC Inside galleries such as Male Celebrities, Other Korean Dramas, 2012 London Olympics, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Girls Planet 999.
According to the statement, the company has filed criminal complaints against individuals who spread false information or used derogatory language toward its artists for alleged violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and for insult offenses. SM Entertainment added that it has already completed the collection of evidence for numerous additional posts and is preparing to file further complaints.
Previous court cases and ongoing appeals
The agency mentioned that, in some previously reported cases, the defendants were found guilty in the first instance of violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation) and for insult. There are currently appeals in progress, and SM Entertainment requested understanding for not being able to disclose specific details of cases still under judicial process, in order to prevent such information from influencing the proceedings or benefiting the defendants.
The role of the KWANGYA 119 reporting system
SM Entertainment reiterated that it continues to act based on reports sent through its KWANGYA 119 system, collecting evidence in real-time and reporting posts. The company insisted that all collected material will be handed over to investigative authorities as evidence, regardless of whether the posts are deleted or if accounts are deactivated or made private.
The agency stated that no attempt at evasion will allow those responsible to escape their liability and that, although investigations and trials may take a considerable amount of time, it will respond firmly under a zero-tolerance policy toward criminal acts directed at its artists.
Finally, SM Entertainment thanked the operators of domestic and international platforms for collaborating with its requests to facilitate investigations, as well as its fans for their constant support of the artists and for reporting various forms of malicious content through KWANGYA 119.
Frequently asked questions about SM Entertainment’s legal actions
What did SM Entertainment announce regarding legal actions against malicious posts?
SM Entertainment confirmed that it is carrying out discovery processes in U.S. courts, with the help of the law firm Shin & Kim LLC and a U.S. law firm, to identify individuals who post defamatory or sexually harassing content against its artists on platforms such as YouTube, X, and Instagram.
Who will be affected by these legal actions from SM Entertainment?
The company indicated that legal actions will not only be directed against those who directly post the malicious content, but also against users who participate by leaving offensive comments.
Is SM Entertainment also taking action on domestic platforms in South Korea?
Yes. The agency noted that it monitors anonymous platforms such as certain DC Inside galleries and has filed criminal complaints for violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and for insult offenses.
What is KWANGYA 119 and what role does it play in these legal actions?
KWANGYA 119 is SM Entertainment's reporting system through which fans can report malicious content. The company uses these reports to collect evidence in real-time that is subsequently handed over to investigative authorities.
Has SM Entertainment obtained previous judicial results in these cases?
According to the statement, in some previously reported cases, the defendants were found guilty in the first instance of defamation and insult, although there are currently appeals in progress whose details cannot be disclosed while the process continues.
