SM Entertainment on October 19 provided an update on its legal action to protect NCT’s Jisung against malicious online posts, revealing that a court has sentenced one offender to a fine of 5 million won (approximately $3,757) for defamation and criminal insult.
The agency said the complaint was filed against an individual who posted numerous defamatory and insulting posts and videos about the artist on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. According to the statement, the offenses had continued since 2022, and the court of first instance found them to constitute defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, as well as criminal insult. The defendant has appealed, and a ruling date has now been scheduled for the appellate trial.
SM added that it has filed criminal complaints against individuals whose behavior caused fear or anxiety to the artist, on charges including violations of the stalking punishment act and the sexual crimes act. More recently, the agency filed a complaint against an individual who posted 462 malicious posts about Jisung online, with the investigation currently ongoing.
The company is continuously collecting evidence of false information, defamation, and personal attacks across X, YouTube, and SpinSpin, and will respond under its zero-tolerance policy, “without settlements or leniency under any circumstances.”
“We will hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent through all available legal measures, including criminal prosecution, until such harmful behavior has completely ceased,” the agency said, thanking fans for their trust and patience.
