aespa is facing serious backlash. Several individuals involved in posting malicious content about the group have been handed down guilty verdicts, including imprisonment and fines.
On June 5, SM Entertainment released an official statement detailing the ongoing legal actions against defamation, sexual harassment, and image manipulation tied to aespa.
“We are providing an update regarding our ongoing legal actions against those who have posted malicious content, including comments, deepfake materials, manipulated photos and videos, defamatory articles, and sexually harassing messages targeting aespa,” the agency stated.
SM confirmed they’ve identified multiple suspects, with some cases already resulting in final rulings.
“Certain offenders have received guilty verdicts, including sentences of up to three years in prison with five years of probation, and monetary fines,” the company noted.
The agency emphasized that they are not done yet.
“As in these cases, we have secured substantial evidence against those spreading false information, slander, sexual insults, or ridicule about aespa through social media platforms, online communities, fake news videos, and edited images. Legal procedures are actively in progress.”
In a firm warning, SM urged everyone to “refrain from any direct or indirect involvement in such illegal activities.”
