SM Entertainment threatens legal action after malicious posts on aespa’s Winter flood social media

SM Entertainment said in a statement it is taking strong legal action against malicious posts targeting aespa’s Winter.

According to the agency, various platforms, including X, Instagram, YouTube, TheQoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Yeosa Sidae, and Nate Pann, have been flooded with posts and content containing false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment.

After reviewing the posts, SM Entertainment said it plans to pursue legal procedures, including filing complaints against those responsible. The agency also stressed that it will respond to illegal activity on anonymous forums and social media without exception.

“Regardless of domestic or international location, we will secure the necessary data to identify the posting and dissemination routes of the posts and the individuals responsible, and request investigations from the relevant investigative agencies,” the agency said.

SM Entertainment also issued a strong warning that perpetrators will be held strictly accountable under a zero-tolerance policy, with no leniency or settlements. “So we ask that you exercise special caution to avoid participating in any criminal acts."

The company added that it is continuously collecting and securing evidence related to posts and content that infringe on its artists’ rights through its fan reporting platform, KWANGYA 119, as well as its own monitoring efforts.

“We will continue to strengthen legal responses against malicious posts to protect the rights of our affiliated artists going forward. Thank you,” the statement concluded.

aespa is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2020. The group consists of four members—Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning—and is known for major releases such as “Drama,” “Supernova,” and “Whiplash.”