In a bold move to defend its artists, SM Entertainment recently announced that it has filed over 200 criminal complaints against individuals responsible for malicious online activity, including defamation, insults, deepfakes, and false rumors.
The agency made this announcement via its internal platform KWANGYA 119, which allows fans and observers to report harmful or unlawful content directly. SM emphasized that any action inflicting mental or physical harm on its artists may be subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
Legal Update: How SM Entertainment Is Fighting Back
On October 2, 2025, SM released an official statement outlining the latest developments in its legal campaign. The statement highlights that, in addition to existing lawsuits, SM has reviewed hundreds of thousands of posts collected through its monitoring tools and fan reports.
As of September 30, the company had formally filed complaints in more than 200 confirmed criminal cases, working together with Shin & Kim LLC. SM clarified that legal processes such as investigation and trial may delay disclosures, but it promised to share updates when possible.
The targets of these filings range across multiple misconducts—defamation, insults, harassment, sexual harassment, distribution of manipulated media, invasion of privacy, and more.
SM also made clear that it is monitoring both domestic and international platforms, including Naver and Daum, as well as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, DC Inside, TikTok, Facebook, and others.
Why Now? The Escalating Threat to K-Pop Idols
SM Entertainment is not alone in facing waves of malicious content. Over time, K-pop idols have become increasingly vulnerable to online abuse—from false rumors and insults to manipulated videos and doxxing.
However, recent reports suggest that the attacks have become more aggressive. In the case of RIIZE, for example, perpetrators have been accused of impersonating acquaintances and even changing flight reservations to disrupt schedules. SM labeled such acts “obstruction of business,” saying they could lead to criminal claims.
In earlier instances, SM also took legal action against deepfake videos targeting aespa, moving forward once evidence was identified. In one high-profile example, a manipulated video circulated through Telegram drew a direct response from the agency.
Another example: regarding Girls’ Generation’s Yoona, SM confirmed criminal complaints over false information, slander, and defamatory content. Even agency veterans are involved. SM once pursued defamation claims connected to malicious comments targeting BoA.
What This Means for SM Entertainment Artists and the Entire K-Pop Industry
SM’s aggressive legal shift reflects growing urgency in protecting K-pop idols from online harm. The agency’s statement suggests zero tolerance for content that causes “significant emotional or physical damage.”
This signals a turning point in how entertainment companies manage fan communities, online speech, and artist safety. Monitoring and legal recourse are becoming essential tools, rather than optional measures.
That said, legal action has limits. Investigations take time, evidence must hold up in court, and jurisdictional barriers can complicate cross-border cases. SM acknowledges that real-time disclosure is often impossible to avoid without interfering with investigations.
Still, the move may deter would-be harassers. When agencies challenge attacks with legal authority, it sends a message that harmful content has consequences—not just in fandom spaces, but in courts.
Final Thoughts
By filing over 200 criminal complaints, SM Entertainment is making a strong statement on behalf of its artists. It’s a proactive move to reclaim control, protect dignity, and push back against harmful online behavior.
As the K-pop and K-drama worlds grow more global, the scope of online threats will likely expand. Agencies that refuse to stay reactive and instead invest in monitoring, accountability, and enforcement may be better positioned to shield their stars.
Let us know your thoughts. Do you think legal action can curb online harassment in entertainment?
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