SM Entertainment, the agency representing Super Junior member and actor Choi Siwon, has announced its decision to take strong legal action against malicious comments.
Through its online reporting center 'KWANGYA 119,' SM Entertainment stated, "We are providing an update on the legal actions being taken to protect our artist Choi Siwon's rights," adding, "We have identified continuous and repetitive malicious posts attacking and insulting our artist, and we are taking the severity of this matter very seriously."
The agency further explained, "Based on the data collected through our own monitoring, we have thoroughly reviewed the content of the posts and attached images. We have filed a complaint with the investigative authorities in collaboration with the law firm Sejong."
SM Entertainment also warned, "We are continuously gathering evidence against the creation and dissemination of false information related to our artists on online communities and social media platforms, as well as posts that mock or disparage them. We plan to expand our legal actions in stages after reviewing these posts."
The agency concluded, "We will take strict measures against illegal activities that cause significant mental harm to our artists and protect their rights through civil and criminal legal actions without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to be cautious to avoid getting involved in such unfortunate incidents, as the collection, reporting, and legal response to malicious posts are ongoing."
Meanwhile, Choi Siwon recently garnered attention for a post on his social media. On the 19th, he shared the phrases "불의필망(不義必亡), 토붕와해(土崩瓦解)," which mean "injustice will surely perish" and "collapse like crumbling earth and shattered tiles," respectively. The post was made shortly after former President Yoon Seok-yeol was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial related to the December 3 martial law incident. Some netizens speculated that Choi Siwon was indirectly expressing his thoughts on the verdict, but he has not made any further comments.
Official Statement from SM Entertainment
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We are providing an update on the legal actions being taken to protect our artist Choi Siwon's rights.
We have identified continuous and repetitive malicious posts attacking and insulting our artist, and we are taking the severity of this matter very seriously.
Based on the data collected through our own monitoring, we have thoroughly reviewed the content of the posts and attached images. We have filed a complaint with the investigative authorities in collaboration with the law firm Sejong.
We are continuously gathering evidence against the creation and dissemination of false information related to our artists on online communities and social media platforms, as well as posts that mock or disparage them. We plan to expand our legal actions in stages after reviewing these posts.
We will take strict measures against illegal activities that cause significant mental harm to our artists and protect their rights through civil and criminal legal actions without any leniency or settlement. We urge everyone to be cautious to avoid getting involved in such unfortunate incidents, as the collection, reporting, and legal response to malicious posts are ongoing.
We will continue to prioritize the protection of our artists' rights and make every effort in all aspects.
Thank you.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia one@tenasia.co.kr