Key takeaways
- SM Entertainment is pursuing discovery proceedings in U.S. courts with retained law firms Shin & Kim LLC and a U.S.-based firm to identify individuals behind malicious accounts on overseas platforms.
- The company plans to hold not only account creators but also users who commented on or participated in harassment campaigns legally accountable.
- Defendants in previous SM Entertainment cases have been found guilty at first trial of violating the Information and Communications Network Act for defamation and insult, with appeals currently underway.
SM Entertainment announced October 12 that it is intensifying legal action against malicious posts targeting its artists across global platforms, warning that anonymity on overseas platforms no longer shields users from legal consequences.
The Scope of Online Harassment
Malicious content targeting SM Entertainment’s artists persists across major social platforms despite previous legal notices from the company. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) continue hosting posts ranging from disparagement and defamation to sexual harassment of the artists. According to SM Entertainment, provocative content on YouTube is particularly problematic, spreading distorted images of artists rapidly and causing what the company characterizes as serious harm to those targeted.
Three Months of Investigation
SM Entertainment conducted intensive evidence collection over approximately three months to systematically identify accounts and compile evidence. The investigation targeted multiple categories of harmful activity, from accounts that habitually mock and defame artists—termed “cyber wreckers”—to users posting sexually harassing Shorts videos and leaving abusive comments on other content.
Expansion of Legal Scope
SM Entertainment emphasized that legal action will target not only the accounts that directly posted the content but also individual users who participated by leaving comments. This expansion broadens accountability beyond primary perpetrators to secondary participants in harassment campaigns.
International Legal Strategy
To identify individuals hiding behind accounts on overseas platforms, SM Entertainment has retained both domestic and international legal representation. The company engaged Shin & Kim LLC domestically and a U.S.-based law firm to pursue discovery proceedings in U.S. courts. Through discovery mechanisms, SM Entertainment aims to compel platforms and service providers to disclose information about account holders, including registration details, payment methods, and IP addresses. The company indicated its intention to make active use of these procedures without exception and to continue similar proceedings against several X accounts posting malicious content.
Platform Cooperation
SM Entertainment noted that it has received cooperation from both domestic and international platform operators in facilitating investigations, suggesting that platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X have responded to the company’s requests for assistance.
Domestic Action and Anonymous Platforms
On domestic platforms, SM Entertainment stated it continuously monitors anonymous forums, specifically naming DC Inside galleries focused on Male Celebrities, Other Korean Dramas, the 2012 London Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Girls Planet 999. The company has filed criminal complaints against individuals who spread false information about artists or used derogatory language, citing violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal insult charges.
Evidence Accumulation and Future Complaints
SM Entertainment has completed evidence collection for numerous malicious posts on domestic platforms and is preparing to file additional criminal complaints. The company indicated that perpetrators operating on domestic platforms will be held legally accountable to the fullest extent without settlements or leniency.
Permanence of Evidence
SM Entertainment warned that all collected materials will be submitted to investigative authorities regardless of whether posts are deleted, accounts are deactivated, or accounts switch to private status. The company stated that no attempt to circumvent these measures will allow perpetrators to escape responsibility.
Legal Precedent from Earlier Cases
SM Entertainment cited previous cases to demonstrate that its legal action has already produced results. In some cases previously reported by the company, defendants were found guilty at the first trial of violating the Information and Communications Network Act on charges of defamation and insult. However, appeals are currently underway in these cases. SM Entertainment declined to disclose specific details about cases still in court, stating that such disclosure could influence proceedings or provide circumstances favorable to defendants.
KWANGYA 119: Fan-Powered Reporting System
SM Entertainment continues to collect evidence in real time through “KWANGYA 119,” a reporting system designed to gather complaints about malicious content. The company thanked fans for their unwavering support and for reporting various forms of malicious content through the system, describing such reports as playing an important role in legal actions. The company extended gratitude to fans for their continued interest and participation in identifying harmful content.
Zero-Tolerance and Long-Term Commitment
SM Entertainment framed its approach as operating under a zero-tolerance policy toward criminal acts targeting its artists. The company acknowledged that investigations and trials may take considerable time but committed to responding firmly regardless of duration. The statement emphasized that even if perpetrators attempt to escape accountability through account deletion, deactivation, or other means, the company will pursue legal action persistently without exception.
Source: Soompi
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platforms is SM Entertainment targeting in its legal action?
SM Entertainment is taking action against malicious content on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as domestic anonymous platforms including DC Inside galleries.
What is KWANGYA 119?
KWANGYA 119 is a reporting system through which fans and the public can submit complaints about malicious content targeting SM Entertainment's artists. The company uses these reports to collect evidence in real time.
Will SM Entertainment settle cases or show leniency to perpetrators?
No. SM Entertainment stated it will hold perpetrators operating on domestic platforms legally accountable to the fullest extent without settlements or leniency, operating under a zero-tolerance policy.
