aespa’s agency, SM Entertainment, isn’t here for the slander! On June 5, SM delivered a major update: individuals who targeted aespa with malicious content (including deepfakes, edited videos, and offensive posts) have been convicted. Some received serious punishment: three-year prison sentences with five-year probation, and serious fines.
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to inform you about the current status of the legal response regarding malicious posts and comments, defamation, false information, and sexual harassment related to our artist aespa through various means such as SNS posts,…
— ִ (@heartstoaespa) June 5, 2025
The K-pop quartet has faced intense digital harassment, especially in recent months. The attacks went beyond simple hate comments, as they included sexual harassment, image manipulation, and targeted slander. According to SM, these actions were considered defamation, insults, and harassment under South Korean law. The company didn’t just talk tough; they acted with hard evidence that took the perpetrators to court.
Many of the cases have already ended with guilty verdicts, showing SM’s commitment to protecting aespa. And they’re not done yet! Investigations into additional suspects are ongoing, and SM made it clear: more legal action is coming. Now you know it haters and trolls: think twice before posting anything that could land you in court. SM isn’t backing down, and neither is aespa!
The controversy peaked when aespa’s leader Karina wore a red jacket with the number 2 on it, sparking political rumors ahead of an election. The group’s comeback title “Dirty Work” only fueled more criticism, with haters claiming it was a “fitting name” given the scandal. But SM’s legal wins prove they’re serious about cleaning up the mess (and protecting their stars in the process).
