SM Entertainment has issued a strong warning over what it calls a surge of malicious online posts targeting aespa member Winter, saying it is expanding legal action against defamation, sexual harassment and fabricated rumors circulating after recent dating speculation involving BTS member Jungkook.
In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said it is “fully aware of the seriousness” of defamatory posts, including sexual comments, personal attacks, privacy breaches and deepfake content. The company said it has been monitoring major online communities and social media platforms, where it found “a large volume of malicious posts and comments” directed at the singer.
The agency said it has already begun pursuing both criminal complaints and civil claims against individuals who created or spread harmful content, adding that additional rounds of complaints will be filed after reviewing more evidence. The agency emphasized that it is collecting a substantial amount of data, noting that it will respond “without leniency.”
The company also issued a direct warning to users spreading rumors or creating distorted content. “We ask that you refrain from becoming involved in any improper acts,” the agency said.
The intensified response comes as Winter recently became the subject of online dating rumors with Jungkook. Claims that the two shared couple-style tattoos and nail designs spread quickly across Korean social media, fueling speculation among fans. Neither SM Entertainment nor HYBE, Jungkook’s agency, has commented on the claims, which has only heightened curiosity among online users.
The controversy has sparked a wave of social media chatter, with some fans demanding clarification while others criticize the spread of unverified rumors.
Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/e…al-action?utm_source=gons
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