SM Entertainment Takes Legal Action Following Karina’s Political Controversy
SM Entertainment’s latest legal action follows a wave of online controversies, including politically charged criticism directed at aespa’s Karina, which has also drawn other group members into the spotlight.
As defamatory posts, malicious rumors, and deepfake content spread across social media and online communities, the agency has responded firmly to protect its artists.
This decisive step aims to address and prevent the further spread of false information, harassment, and character defamation targeting aespa. With ongoing investigations and legal penalties already issued in some cases, SM Entertainment continues to pursue strict legal measures to defend its artists’ rights and reputations.
Full Official Statement
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
AdvertisementWe would like to update you on the legal actions being taken in response to malicious posts, comments, deepfakes, manipulated photos/videos, and written content involving defamation, insults, and sexual harassment targeting our artist aespa.
With the help of fan reports and our own monitoring, we have been collecting evidence of malicious posts and comments directed at aespa. Based on this, we have filed criminal complaints for defamation, insult, and the distribution of false or manipulated video content.
Investigations are ongoing, with several individuals already identified. Some cases have resulted in final court rulings of 3-year prison sentences with 5-year suspensions, and fines.
AdvertisementWe have collected a substantial amount of evidence regarding the spreading of falsehoods, slander, sexual harassment, mockery, and fake news about aespa on personal social media and online communities, and we are preparing additional legal measures.
We urge everyone not to get involved in such illegal acts, whether directly or indirectly.
Thank you.
Comments on theqoo:
- “Wow, they’re going so far as to say someone voting for party #2 is a political stance while defending this? Completely insane.”
- “All those comments on Karina’s Instagram are going to get sued for defamation, lol.”
- “They say they’re filing lawsuits, but people are suddenly acting like it’s censorship, lol. Guess they didn’t just criticize, they must’ve written malicious comments… Feels like they’re guilty. Cheering for lawsuits against boundary-crossing comments.”
- “But what are we supposed to do about the lawsuit notice regarding the deepfake stuff? It’s annoying how they’re suddenly acting all smug like nothing happened… The situation hasn’t changed one bit.”
- “LOL Karina fighting^^”
In conclusion, the reactions to SM Entertainment’s legal action against malicious commenters, particularly in relation to aespa’s Karina, reflect a deeply polarized online atmosphere. Ultimately, the situation underscores the growing tension between freedom of expression and the need to protect artists from targeted harassment in the digital age.