Many K-pop idols will receive malicious comments and hateful content on social media in their careers. To combat this, many labels and companies have taken action against these hate comments, but SM Entertainment recently went a step further.
On 20th January 2026 (Tuesday), SM Entertainment released an official statement, announcing its plans to pursue criminal charges against individuals who have repeatedly posted malicious and defaming content about its artists. According to the statement, these individuals specifically target RIIZE (라이즈), aespa (에스파) and NCT WISH (엔시티 위시).
The agency stated that these individuals have continuously spread false information, engaged in defamation, sexual harassment, personal attacks, insults and invasion of privacy. While such notice about legal action isn’t uncommon, netizens were surprised when SM Entertainment publicly revealed the Twitter usernames of the eleven malicious commenters.
SM Entertainment said that it received the names through fan-submitted reports and its own internal monitoring. Additionally, the agency confirmed that it has filed official complaints against the Twitter users, in collaboration with a South Korean law firm. The company will also continue monitoring all social media platforms for malicious content on other SM artists.
Netizens have reacted to the explicit mention of malicious commenters, mostly praising SM Entertainment for the bold move. Many also encouraged the agency and other K-pop labels to take a stronger stance against hate comments and other individuals who could bring physical and emotional harm to K-pop idols.
While it may be an extreme move, we believe SM Entertainment exposed these individuals to protect their idols. Let’s hope the others will take it as a warning and refrain from making hateful comments about K-pop stars on social media.
Source: Twitter
