SM Entertainment Warns Of Strong Legal Action Against Malicious Posts Targeting Artists

October 12, 2026 | 10:24 (GMT)

3 minutes read

Source: soompi.com

SM Entertainment has shared an update on its ongoing legal action to protect its artists from malicious posts, defamation, and sexual harassment across both domestic and international platforms.

On October 12, SM Entertainment released the following statement:

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide a statement regarding our legal actions against violations of our artists’ rights.

We strongly warn that anonymity on overseas platforms can no longer be used as a means of evading legal responsibility.

Even after our previous notice, malicious content that disparages or sexually harasses our artists continues to be posted on global platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). In particular, provocative content is being produced indiscriminately on YouTube, rapidly spreading distorted images of our artists and causing serious harm.

In response, we conducted intensive evidence collection over approximately three months. We have completed the identification of accounts and collection of evidence not only against so-called “cyber wreckers”—channels that habitually mock and defame artists—but also against accounts that have posted sexually harassing or personally abusive Shorts videos and comments.

We have retained the law firm Shin & Kim LLC and a U.S.-based law firm to pursue discovery proceedings in U.S. courts to identify the individuals behind these accounts. The same procedures are also underway against several X (formerly Twitter) accounts that have posted malicious content targeting our artists. We will continue to make active use of discovery proceedings and take legal action without exception.

We make it clear that legal action will target not only the accounts that directly posted the content but also users who participated by leaving comments.

We will also hold perpetrators operating on domestic platforms legally accountable to the fullest extent, without settlements or leniency. We continuously monitor anonymous platforms, including DC Inside galleries such as Male Celebrities, Other Korean Dramas, the 2012 London Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Girls Planet 999. We have filed criminal complaints against individuals who spread false information about our artists or insulted them using derogatory language, on charges including violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal insult. We have also completed evidence collection for numerous other malicious posts and are preparing to file additional complaints.

Furthermore, in some cases previously reported by us, defendants were found guilty at the first trial of violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation) and insult. Appeals are currently underway, and for cases still in court, we ask for your understanding that we cannot disclose specific details until the rulings become final, in order to prevent such disclosures from potentially influencing the proceedings or being used as circumstances favorable to the defendants.

We continue to take action based on reports submitted through “KWANGYA 119,” including collecting evidence in real time and reporting posts. We reiterate that all collected materials will be submitted to investigative authorities as evidence, regardless of whether the posts are deleted or the accounts are deactivated or switched to private. No attempt to circumvent these measures will allow perpetrators to escape responsibility. Even if investigations and trials take considerable time, we will respond firmly to criminal acts targeting our artists under a zero-tolerance policy.

We would like to thank domestic and international platform operators for responding to our requests for cooperation to facilitate investigations. We also sincerely thank our fans for their unwavering support for our artists and for reporting various forms of malicious content. Reports submitted through “KWANGYA 119” play an important role in our legal actions, and we ask for your continued interest and participation.

Thank you.

Source (1)

SM Entertainment

Lee Sun Bin, Yoo Jae Myung, And More Unveil The Chaos Behind CSAT Question-Setting In “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng”

The film “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng” has unveiled new stills ahead of its premiere! “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng” is a comedy film about Maeng Bo Ram (Lee Sun Bin), a Korean language teacher from a small provincial town who unexpectedly joins the team responsible for creating Korea’s College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), also known as Continue reading Lee Sun Bin, Yoo Jae Myung, And More Unveil The Chaos Behind CSAT Question-Setting In “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng” Lee Sun Bin, Yoo Jae Myung, And More Unveil The Chaos Behind CSAT Question-Setting In “Ugly Duckling Ms. Maeng” Soompi. ...

2026 MAMA AWARDS Announces Nominees + Fans’ Choice Voting Begins

The MAMA AWARDS has returned for another year! On October 12, the nominations were announced for the 2026 MAMA AWARDS. This year’s ceremony will take place in Osaka on November 21 and 22. The criteria for the final winners are as follows: The first round of voting for the Fans’ Choice nominees will take place Continue reading 2026 MAMA AWARDS Announces Nominees + Fans’ Choice Voting Begins 2026 MAMA AWARDS Announces Nominees + Fans’ Choice Voting Begins Soompi. ...

3 Major Questions To Be Answered In “kiDnap GAME”

Channel A’s new drama “kiDnap GAME” has highlighted three key mysteries that will keep viewers guessing! “kiDnap GAME” is a thriller centered on an unprecedented kidnapping case that unfolds simultaneously across seven Asian cities—Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha, and Manila. The story follows seven individuals who are each given different missions and forced into Continue reading 3 Major Questions To Be Answered In “kiDnap GAME” 3 Major Questions To Be Answered In “kiDnap GAME” Soompi. ...

Kim Young Kwang, Chae Soo Bin, Cha Woo Min, And More Show Their Playful Sides Behind The Scenes Of “Take Charge Of My Heart”

Netflix’s “Take Charge of My Heart” has unveiled heartwarming behind-the-scenes stills! Based on a web novel, “Take Charge of My Heart” is an electrifying romantic comedy about a man whose artificial heart is running out of battery and a woman with the unique power to recharge him. Kim Young Kwang stars as the cool and Continue reading Kim Young Kwang, Chae Soo Bin, Cha Woo Min, And More Show Their Playful Sides Behind The Scenes Of “Take Charge Of My Heart” Kim Young Kwang, Chae Soo Bin, Cha Woo Min, And More Show Their Playful Sides Behind The Scenes Of “Take Charge Of My Heart” Soompi. ...

Yoo Yeon Seok Dishes On His Character In Upcoming Drama “The Perfect Lie”

Yoo Yeon Seok has shared his thoughts on his upcoming drama “The Perfect Lie”! Helmed by “You and Everything Else” director Jo Young Min, “The Perfect Lie” is a psychological thriller in which a man and a woman give completely opposite accounts of the same memory, clashing fiercely in their search for the truth. Yoo Continue reading Yoo Yeon Seok Dishes On His Character In Upcoming Drama “The Perfect Lie” Yoo Yeon Seok Dishes On His Character In Upcoming Drama “The Perfect Lie” Soompi. ...

Cho Seong Ha, Baek Sung Hyun, And More Stand With Or Against Jang Hyuk In “Sword & Silence”

“Sword & Silence” has unveiled new stills featuring characters surrounding Jang Hyuk! Directed by Kim Yeong Jo of “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” “Sword & Silence” follows the tale of how the small kingdom of Silla overcame the stronger states of Goguryeo, Baekje, and the Tang dynasty of China to unify the Three Kingdoms. At Continue reading Cho Seong Ha, Baek Sung Hyun, And More Stand With Or Against Jang Hyuk In “Sword & Silence” Cho Seong Ha, Baek Sung Hyun, And More Stand With Or Against Jang Hyuk In “Sword & Silence” Soompi. ...

Jung Yong Hwa Dishes On Playing Top Actor Who Has A No-Kissing Rule And A Surprising Weakness In “Oh! My Guard”

Jung Yong Hwa has shared insights into his character in the upcoming drama “Oh! My Guard”! “Oh! My Guard” is a romance drama that tells the unpredictable love story of Uhm Tae Bong (CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa), an A-list actor with a fatal flaw, and Oh Hae Ra (Hong Seung Hee), a mysterious woman who Continue reading Jung Yong Hwa Dishes On Playing Top Actor Who Has A No-Kissing Rule And A Surprising Weakness In “Oh! My Guard” Jung Yong Hwa Dishes On Playing Top Actor Who Has A No-Kissing Rule And A Surprising Weakness In “Oh! My Guard” Soompi. ...

Sung Hoon Talks About Why He Chose To Star In “What A Boss Wants,” Role Preparation, And More

Sung Hoon has shared his thoughts on his upcoming drama “What a Boss Wants”! Based on a web novel, “What a Boss Wants” is a romance drama about Kwon Do Hyuk (Sung Hoon), a chaebol boss with zero sense of taste who sets out to find the woman whose voice he heard on an album, Continue reading Sung Hoon Talks About Why He Chose To Star In “What A Boss Wants,” Role Preparation, And More Sung Hoon Talks About Why He Chose To Star In “What A Boss Wants,” Role Preparation, And More Soompi. ...

Blue Dragon Film Awards Announces Date For 2026 Ceremony

The 47th Blue Dragon Film Awards has announced the date for its annual ceremony! On October 12, it was announced that the 47th Blue Dragon Film Awards will be held on November 25 at KBS Hall in Yeouido. Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious film awards in Korea, the Blue Dragon Film Awards Continue reading Blue Dragon Film Awards Announces Date For 2026 Ceremony Blue Dragon Film Awards Announces Date For 2026 Ceremony Soompi. ...

Soompi’s K-Pop Music Chart 2026, October Week 2

Soyeon’s “I’m gonna TOESA” remains at the top spot for the third straight week. Congratulations to Soyeon! Moving up 47 spots to No. 2 is ALLDAY PROJECT’s “CRASH.” Holding steady at No. 3 is ATEEZ’s “BAD.” ALLDAY PROJECT’s “CRASH” is the title track from their second EP of the same name. Tarzzan, Woochan, and Bailey Continue reading Soompi’s K-Pop Music Chart 2026, October Week 2 Soompi’s K-Pop Music Chart 2026, October Week 2 Soompi. ...

Watch: Kim You Jung And Park Jinyoung Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “100 Days Of Deception”

tvN’s “100 Days of Deception” has shared a new behind-the-scenes look of the filming set! The new making-of video begins with Kim You Jung’s various pick-pocketing scenes. She jokes, “I made the cost of our after-work dinner party.” Kim You Jung also draws attention as she helps the staff. The cast and director playfully tell Continue reading Watch: Kim You Jung And Park Jinyoung Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “100 Days Of Deception” Watch: Kim You Jung And Park Jinyoung Showcase Adorable Chemistry On Set Of “100 Days Of Deception” Soompi. ...

5 Perfect BLs To Watch While You Eat

What’s better than getting cozy with a warm, comforting meal and a good show? Not much beats that, especially after a long day or a long week. If you’re looking for feel-good, low-stakes shows that let you embrace your inner foodie while eating, these five BLs fit the bill perfectly. Be warned, though—watching these without Continue reading 5 Perfect BLs To Watch While You Eat 5 Perfect BLs To Watch While You Eat Soompi. ...

Kim Yun Seok Faces His Final Days As A Station Master In New Film “White Blast”

The upcoming film “White Blast” has unveiled new stills featuring Kim Yun Seok! “White Blast” is a mystery thriller film that follows the story of Gap Soo (Kim Yun Seok), a station master nearing retirement, and his newly appointed successor Hyun Taek (Koo Kyo Hwan), after they discover a mysterious body at a rural train Continue reading Kim Yun Seok Faces His Final Days As A Station Master In New Film “White Blast” Kim Yun Seok Faces His Final Days As A Station Master In New Film “White Blast” Soompi. ...

Kim So Hyun Sheds Tears Over Choo Young Woo’s Indifferent Attitude In “Between Steps”

ENA’s “Between Steps” has unveiled new stills ahead of its next episode! “Between Steps” is a romance drama by the late director Ahn Pan Seok, who helmed the hit dramas “Something in the Rain,” “One Spring Night,” and “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.” The drama tells the love story of Park Min Jae (Choo Young Continue reading Kim So Hyun Sheds Tears Over Choo Young Woo’s Indifferent Attitude In “Between Steps” Kim So Hyun Sheds Tears Over Choo Young Woo’s Indifferent Attitude In “Between Steps” Soompi. ...

Watch: Yim Si Wan And Seol In Ah Showcase Heart-Fluttering Chemistry At Poster Shoot For “Love In Disguise”

tvN’s “Love in Disguise” has previewed the chemistry between the leads! On October 12, “Love in Disguise” released a new making-of video from the poster shoot. The new behind-the-scenes video begins with the squeals from the staff as Seol In Ah charmingly tips Yim Si Wan. The two actors send each other thumbs up following Continue reading Watch: Yim Si Wan And Seol In Ah Showcase Heart-Fluttering Chemistry At Poster Shoot For “Love In Disguise” Watch: Yim Si Wan And Seol In Ah Showcase Heart-Fluttering Chemistry At Poster Shoot For “Love In Disguise” Soompi. ...

Yoo Yeon Seok And Seo Hyun Jin Unexpectedly Clash After A Perfect First Date In “The Perfect Lie”

MBC’s upcoming drama “The Perfect Lie” has teased the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Seo Hyun Jin! Helmed by “You and Everything Else” director Jo Young Min, “The Perfect Lie” is a psychological thriller in which a man and a woman offer completely opposite accounts of the same memory, clashing fiercely in their search Continue reading Yoo Yeon Seok And Seo Hyun Jin Unexpectedly Clash After A Perfect First Date In “The Perfect Lie” Yoo Yeon Seok And Seo Hyun Jin Unexpectedly Clash After A Perfect First Date In “The Perfect Lie” Soompi. ...

Seol In Ah Shares Thoughts On Her “Love In Disguise” Character, Preparation, And More

Seol In Ah has dished on how she prepared for her character in “Love in Disguise”! tvN’s “Love in Disguise” is a new romance thriller about an arrogant chaebol heir who becomes a murder suspect and a former special forces officer who goes undercover as his personal secretary to investigate him. Seol In Ah takes Continue reading Seol In Ah Shares Thoughts On Her “Love In Disguise” Character, Preparation, And More Seol In Ah Shares Thoughts On Her “Love In Disguise” Character, Preparation, And More Soompi. ...

“The Assassin(s)” Surpasses 3 Million Moviegoers

The film “The Assassin(s)” has reached a new milestone at the Korean box office. According to the Korean Film Council, the film surpassed 3 million cumulative moviegoers at around 8 a.m. KST on October 12, making it the fifth Korean film released in 2026 to achieve the feat. Starring Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, Continue reading “The Assassin(s)” Surpasses 3 Million Moviegoers “The Assassin(s)” Surpasses 3 Million Moviegoers Soompi. ...

BABYMONSTER’s “CHOOM” Becomes Their 7th MV To Hit 200 Million Views

BABYMONSTER has just set a personal record on YouTube! According to YG Entertainment, on October 12 at approximately 9:30 a.m. KST, BABYMONSTER’s music video for their third mini album title track “CHOOM” surpassed 200 million views on YouTube, making it their seventh music video to reach the milestone after “BATTER UP,” “SHEESH,” “DRIP,” “FOREVER,” “WE Continue reading BABYMONSTER’s “CHOOM” Becomes Their 7th MV To Hit 200 Million Views BABYMONSTER’s “CHOOM” Becomes Their 7th MV To Hit 200 Million Views Soompi. ...

“100 Days Of Deception” Ratings Rise For 2nd Episode; “A Love Other Than Yours” Dips To All-Time Low

tvN’s new drama “100 Days of Deception” is on the rise! On October 11, “100 Days of Deception” enjoyed a significant increase in viewership for its second episode. According to Nielsen Korea, the new spy romance drama took first place in its time slot across all cable channels with an average nationwide rating of 7.6 Continue reading “100 Days Of Deception” Ratings Rise For 2nd Episode; “A Love Other Than Yours” Dips To All-Time Low “100 Days Of Deception” Ratings Rise For 2nd Episode; “A Love Other Than Yours” Dips To All-Time Low Soompi. ...