In recent reports,   announce it files criminal charges against social media users for malicious posts or defamatory content about its groups aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH.

On January 20th, the agency posts a statement through its social networks assuring fans that they are aware of netizens who are posting malicious content against their idols and they will take legal action to protect their artist at all costs:

“To take strict action against such illegal activities that cause significant mental harm to artists and protect the rights and interests of our affiliated artists, we are proceeding with criminal complaints.”

“Based on valuable reports received through ‘KWANGYA 119’ from fans and data collected through internal monitoring, we thoroughly reviewed the content of posts and attached images from X accounts. In particular, we submitted a complaint to investigative authorities with Law Firm (Limited) Sejong regarding confirmed criminal acts by a total of 11 X user accounts that have continuously posted malicious content about aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH.”

SM Entertainment shocks fans by also partially disclosing the IDs and nicknames of the 11 accounts involved in the case and finally saying they are “currently reviewing malicious posts uploaded on various SNS platforms” and planning to “expand the scope of complaints.”