PLEDIS Entertainment, the agency representing SEVENTEEN, has announced plans to take strong legal action against individuals responsible for spreading malicious posts, false information, and defamatory content targeting the group.
In an official statement released on November 2, 2026, the agency outlined its latest efforts to protect the members’ rights and reputations, while reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach towards online harassment.
The announcement comes amid an increase in harmful content targeting SEVENTEEN members across social media platforms and online communities.
According to PLEDIS, the agency has identified personal attacks, the circulation of false information, and deliberately edited videos and images intended to ridicule the artists.
The company also expressed particular concern about malicious comments directed at members currently fulfilling their mandatory military service.
It warned that such behaviour could affect not only their public reputations but also their ability to complete their duties in a stable environment.
PLEDIS Entertainment Targets Defamation and Malicious Content Against SEVENTEEN
In its statement, PLEDIS explained that it has been closely monitoring online platforms and collecting evidence of posts and comments that violate the members’ rights.
The agency confirmed that it intends to pursue civil and criminal legal action whenever unlawful conduct is identified.
The company is also examining accounts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram that create or distribute content intended to defame the artists.
Importantly, PLEDIS warned that deleting a post or account will not necessarily prevent legal consequences, as evidence may already have been secured through its real-time monitoring system.
The agency stated:
“We take these actions extremely seriously, as they constitute serious violations of our artists’ dignity and reputation, and are responding accordingly.”
PLEDIS further emphasised that its zero-tolerance policy would apply not only to individuals who originally create and publish defamatory material but also to those who deliberately distribute it.
It added that it would not offer leniency or enter into settlements in cases involving malicious criticism and defamation targeting the members, particularly those currently serving in the military.
Agency Encourages Fans to Report Malicious Posts With Proper Evidence
Alongside announcing its legal response, PLEDIS thanked fans for helping protect SEVENTEEN by reporting harmful online content through HYBE’s Artist Rights Violation Report Website.
The agency explained that fan-submitted reports have played an important role in its legal efforts.
To make investigations more efficient, it encouraged supporters to provide complete evidence, including the original post’s URL, the account holder’s username, the full content, and the date and time of publication.
PLEDIS also provided platform-specific reporting recommendations.
For online communities, fans should ensure that screenshots include the post title, content, author information, publication details, and unique URL.
Reports involving X should include the account name, username, post content, and relevant images or videos.
For Instagram-related reports, the agency recommended capturing the account name, post or comment content, publication details, and unique URL.
It also highlighted the importance of preserving temporary content, such as Stories, before it becomes inaccessible.
The statement concluded with gratitude towards CARATs for their continued love and support.
PLEDIS reaffirmed that protecting the members’ reputations and rights would remain a priority and that it would continue taking active measures against unlawful online behaviour.
With its latest announcement, the agency has made clear that it intends to address malicious content through continued monitoring, evidence collection, and legal proceedings.
The statement also reinforces its warning that online anonymity and the deletion of harmful posts do not automatically eliminate legal responsibility.
