SM Entertainment Revealed User Against Online Trolls Targeting Its Artist

SM Entertainment fired a strong shot across the bow, updating fans on its aggressive legal campaign to protect artists from defamation, deepfakes, sexual harassment, and vicious rumors.

In its latest statement, the agency made it crystal clear: simply deleting posts, deactivating accounts, or switching them private won’t save anyone. SM has already gathered solid evidence through real-time monitoring and fan reports via its KWANGYA 119 system. They’ve filed complaints against specific X accounts like @MLSIZZYANG and @TOO1101 (plus dozens more), various DC Inside galleries, YouTube channels, theqoo users, and communities across Naver, Instagram, and beyond.

Read full statement:

"Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We would like to provide an update regarding our legal response to acts that infringe upon the rights of our artists. First, we are aware that some malicious online users have recently attempted to evade legal responsibility through various methods, including deleting or deactivating their accounts, deleting posts, or making their accounts private. However, no such attempt to circumvent responsibility can exempt anyone from legal liability or punishment. We have already secured sufficient evidence for legal action through real-time evidence collection and are pursuing strong legal measures against all illegal acts, including these attempts to avoid accountability, without exception. In particular, we would like to inform you that legal complaints have already been filed against the accounts listed below based on reports submitted through KWANGYA 119 regarding violations of our artists’ rights. [X (formerly Twitter)] @M *LSIZZYANG, @T *OO1101, @b *inyour, @j *25yongtwt1, @i*ynnyxx, @w *b243090345326, @b *khkhlritawt11, @m *onlightangle0, @m *ngzaihrs, @s *ZMfPG7aYAapLK, @m *yah00, @y *mmy_kpop, @_ *trawluver, @p *dtodmegadance, @K *chKichl5k, @r *seduire, @f *ckjiyoon, @j *stice251030, and 28 more. [DC Inside] Male Celebrity Gallery, Female Celebrity Gallery, Girls Planet 999 Gallery, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gallery, Domestic Drama Gallery, Overseas Baseball Gallery, Mini Gallery of Financial Assets, Minor Gallery of Korean Female Idols, Minor Gallery of Female Idol’s Music, Hip Hop Gallery, Minor Gallery of K-pop, Sis Mini Gallery, Fangirl Mini Gallery, ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), ㅇㅇ(1*6.101), ㅇㅇ(2*1.234), ㅇㅇ(2*1.235), ㅇㅇ(2*3.38), ㅇㅇ(2*1.36), ㅇㅇ(1*6.102), ㅇㅇ(1*7.111), ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), 띤갤러(1*8.235), ㅇㅇ (3*.7), ㅇㅇ(2*1.36), ㅇㅇ(1*8.235), 긷갤러(3*.7), and 197 more. [YouTube] @l *ve_never_ever, @새*-e4r, @암*, @user -q*9om1bw8y, @w *orldmax, @c *tabolic610, @크*운산도크림, @호*맛쫀드기, @시*아멈춰라-g1r, @*치지마*신아, @H *uuuunm, @w *veissue, and 4 more. [theqoo] 108 users. In addition, legal action is also being pursued against users on Naver and Daum Cafes (including Women’s Generation, Jjukbbang Cafe, SoulDresser, Yeosineun Isajung, and Leejongkyuktugi), Nate Pann, Instiz, MLB Park, FM Korea, Instagram, Threads, and other platforms. To protect the rights and interests of our artists, we carefully review reports submitted by fans through KWANGYA 119 while continuously monitoring and collecting evidence of illegal activities across various platforms, including the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, deepfake content, and copyright infringement. Working alongside our legal representatives, we will continue to gather and review relevant evidence. We will also continue to hold those who commit illegal acts while hiding behind anonymity fully accountable under our strict zero-tolerance policy, with no leniency. We sincerely thank all the fans who continue to report illegal activities out of love and support for our artists. If you come across any similar cases in the future, we ask that you continue to actively report them through KWANGYA 119. Thank you."

I’ve watched this industry evolve, and this level of transparency feels like a turning point. “The psychological damage from anonymous harassment can be devastating,” says a clinical psychologist who has worked with entertainment professionals for over 15 years. “We’re seeing increased cases of anxiety and burnout among idols. Agencies like SM taking named, decisive action sends a powerful deterrent message while validating fans who report responsibly.”

Another voice from the legal side, entertainment lawyer told me recently: “South Korea’s laws on defamation and privacy are robust, but enforcement has historically been spotty. SM’s consistent pursuit, backed by evidence collection, is raising the bar and could encourage other companies to follow suit more aggressively.”

For longtime fans, this resonates deeply. We’ve seen too many talented artists dimmed by toxicity. SM’s zero-tolerance stance, combined with thanks to supportive fans, highlights a commitment to healthier spaces. As groups like aespa and RIIZE continue shining on stage, this protective push ensures they can focus on what matters most the music.

The battle isn’t over, but SM is clearly in it for the long haul.

Source: SM Entertainment | X Post