SM Entertainment has announced strong legal measures against malicious posts targeting aespa member WINTER.

In an official statement, SM Entertainment stated, "We issue a strict warning that we will take strong legal action against the malicious posts that are continuously being circulated targeting our agency artist aespa's WINTER."

The agency stated, "Currently, illegal posts and content such as the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment are continuously being published on various platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Theqoo, Instiz, DC Inside, Yeosidae, and Nate Pann," adding, "Through a thorough review by our legal representative, we plan to proceed with legal procedures such as filing complaints step by step."

The agency further emphasized, "We will respond without exception to illegal acts taking place on anonymous bulletin boards or social media other than the platforms mentioned above," adding, "Regardless of whether it is domestic or overseas, we will secure data necessary to identify the creation and distribution channels of the posts as well as the authors, and request an investigation by the competent investigative authorities." It also urged, "We will hold the perpetrators caught strictly legally responsible under a zero-tolerance principle without any leniency or settlement, and please take special care not to participate in criminal acts."

Malicious posts surrounding WINTER have continued following dating rumors with BTS member JUNG KOOK that surfaced late last year. Last December, suspicions of matching tattoos spread centered around online communities claiming that the two had engraved tattoos with similar designs. While neither side admitted nor denied the dating rumors, aggressive posts targeting WINTER appear to have increased since then.

Photo: Reporter Baek Seung-chul

(SBS Entertainment News Reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)