SM Entertainment has announced a stronger legal response to online content targeting two of its prominent artists, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA and aespa’s Winter.
On September 28, the agency released separate statements addressing what it described as illegal AI-generated images involving YoonA and a continuing spread of malicious posts targeting Winter.
According to SM Entertainment, the agency has already filed criminal complaints concerning individuals who allegedly created and circulated manipulated AI images using YoonA’s likeness without her consent.
The company also stated that it is collecting additional evidence regarding the creation and distribution of such material, as well as false information connected to it.
At the same time, SM issued a stern warning regarding content targeting Winter, saying that it intends to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for posts involving false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks and sexual harassment.
The agency said that evidence is being gathered through both its own monitoring efforts and reports submitted by fans through KWANGYA 119.
SM emphasized that it intends to respond firmly to violations affecting the artists’ rights and reputations.
The announcement highlights the entertainment company’s continued effort to address harmful online activity involving its artists, particularly as manipulated digital content and anonymous social-media posts become increasingly difficult for celebrities and agencies to manage.
SM Says Criminal Complaints Have Already Been Filed Over YoonA AI Images
In its statement regarding YoonA, SM Entertainment said it had recently identified additional cases involving AI-generated images created by manipulating the artist’s likeness without her consent.
The agency stated that false information based on these images had also been circulated across social media and online communities.
SM said that evidence collected through fan reports and its own monitoring had already been used to file criminal complaints.
The company also made clear that it would pursue the matter without leniency or settlement.
The agency further warned that responsibility may extend beyond the people who originally create manipulated content.
According to SM, creating or posting illegally manipulated material without an artist’s consent can potentially violate relevant laws, while sharing, reposting or redistributing such content may also create legal issues depending on the circumstances.
The statement specifically referenced possible violations involving defamation and infringement of portrait rights, as well as laws concerning fabricated videos.
SM therefore urged people not to create, upload, repost or otherwise distribute manipulated images or unverified information involving YoonA.
The agency also cautioned against spreading such material through quote posts, articles containing the images or uploads to online communities.
SM’s message was that users should avoid participating in the distribution of potentially unlawful content, even if they were not responsible for its original creation.
This latest announcement follows previous legal action involving malicious content targeting SM artists.
In June 2026, the agency announced that a perpetrator who had created and sold deepfake videos involving aespa members Karina and Winter had received a prison sentence.
The case resulted in a two-year-and-six-month prison term, along with additional court-ordered measures.
Winter Faces Legal Warning Over Malicious Posts Across Multiple Platforms
SM Entertainment’s second statement focused on aespa’s Winter, with the agency warning that harmful content about the singer continues to appear across multiple online platforms.
The company said the material includes alleged false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks and sexual harassment.
SM stated that such posts have appeared on platforms including X, Instagram and YouTube, as well as several Korean online communities.
Following a review by its legal counsel, SM said it plans to proceed with legal action in stages, including filing criminal complaints.
The agency added that it would continue collecting evidence through fan reports submitted via KWANGYA 119 and through its own monitoring systems.
SM also stated that its legal response would not be limited to content posted under identifiable names.
The company warned that it would take action against illegal activities carried out through anonymous forums and social-media accounts as well.
According to the agency, it will work to identify individuals responsible for harmful posts and trace how the content was created and distributed, regardless of whether those involved are located in South Korea or overseas.
It said that relevant evidence would be submitted to investigative authorities when necessary.
The company concluded its statement by reiterating its intention to strengthen its legal response to content that infringes upon the rights and interests of its artists.
The announcement comes as agencies increasingly face challenges associated with anonymous online activity, manipulated media and rapidly spreading misinformation.
For YoonA, the immediate focus is on illegal AI-generated material and false information allegedly connected to it, while Winter’s case involves a wider range of malicious posts and alleged harassment.
With criminal complaints already filed in relation to the YoonA case and further legal proceedings planned concerning content targeting Winter, SM Entertainment has made clear that it intends to pursue these matters through formal legal channels rather than treating them simply as online controversies.
