Popular fourth-generation girl group aespa has recently been at the center of severe online slander and harassment. In response, their agency SM Entertainment has taken a firm legal stance. On June 5 KST, the company provided a crucial update regarding court rulings against those who spread defamatory and damaging content about the group, making it clear that such behavior would not go unpunished in the future.
The situation escalated as aespa members were targeted with a range of harmful online content—including deepfakes, manipulated images and videos, sexual harassment, and defamatory posts. SM Entertainment confirmed that these acts fall under punishable offenses such as defamation, insult, and sexual harassment under South Korean law. The agency responded by filing legal complaints, resulting in guilty verdicts for several individuals.
Among the penalties were three-year prison sentences with five-year probation, along with financial fines. SM made it clear that their actions were not symbolic but rather aimed at sending a strong message. They stressed that such consequences were the result of systematic evidence gathering through active monitoring of social media and online forums. This surveillance is still ongoing, with additional individuals already under investigation and more lawsuits being prepared.
A specific controversy surrounding Karina, the group’s leader, further fueled the online hate. She had posted a photo wearing a red jacket with the number 2, which some interpreted as a subtle political statement in support of a party ahead of upcoming presidential elections. The backlash intensified when aespa revealed their comeback album titled Dirty Work, which critics twisted into a mockery of Karina’s supposed political leanings.
SM Entertainment used this opportunity to issue a public warning. They emphasized that any future direct or indirect involvement in similar behavior would lead to legal consequences, and reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the dignity and mental well-being of their artists.
In a digital era where misinformation and malice can spread rapidly, SM’s strong legal action sets a precedent. It not only aims to protect aespa but also highlights the pressing need for accountability in online spaces.