SM Entertainment has warned of strong legal action in response to malicious posts targeting aespa member WINTER.

In an official statement, SM Entertainment declared, "We issue a stern warning that we will take strong legal action against the continuous circulation of malicious posts targeting our agency artist aespa's WINTER."

The agency stated, "Currently, unlawful posts and content—including the spread of false rumors, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment against the artist—continue to be posted across various platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, theqoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Women's Generation, and Nate Pann." The agency added, "Following a thorough review by a legal firm, we plan to proceed step-by-step with legal action, including filing criminal complaints."

The agency further emphasized, "We will also respond without exception to illegal acts committed on anonymous message boards and social media beyond the aforementioned platforms. Regardless of whether it occurs domestically or internationally, we will secure materials necessary to track the creation and distribution paths of the posts and identify the authors, and subsequently request an investigation from the competent investigative agencies." The agency added, "We will hold perpetrators firmly accountable to the fullest extent of the law under a zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to take special care not to participate in criminal acts."

Malicious posts surrounding WINTER have continued since dating rumors with BTS member JUNG KOOK surfaced late last year. In December last year, speculation of matching couple tattoos spread across online communities based on claims that the two had inked similar designs. While neither side confirmed nor denied the dating rumors, aggressive posts directed at WINTER appear to have escalated since then.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)