One major issue in the K-pop industry is stalkers, or sasaengs, who put idols in danger with their obsessive behaviours. Many companies have taken legal actions against their outrageous actions, including SM Entertainment.
On 25th March 2026 (Wednesday), SM Entertainment issued a stern warning against sasaeng and the ongoing invasion of privacy involving their trainee group, SMTR25. The group consists of male trainees who are candidates for the company’s upcoming boy group. In its statement, the agency noted repeated instances of inappropriate and invasive behaviour, including unauthorised entry into the group’s residences and forcibly boarding taxis with the members.
The agency also called out the sasaengs for creating noise disturbances at SMTR25’s residential building and trespassing into restricted areas. SM Entertainment noted that these actions have caused severe distress to the members and disrupted their daily lives. Additionally, the sasaengs have also caused considerable inconvenience and harm to the other residents with their unruly behaviour.
According to the statement, SM Entertainment has previously issued verbal warnings to these individuals and deployed security personnel to protect their trainees. However, the situation hasn’t improved, prompting them to threaten legal action. The label warned that any sasaengs who continue to put the SMTR25 members and the public in harm will face legal consequences without leniency.
Fans have largely supported the move, hoping that SM Entertainment will hold on to their words and take firm action against the sasaengs. It’s worth noting that privacy infringement has long been an issue that plagued all of the company’s male groups, including NCT and RIIZE. SM Entertainment has also repeatedly received backlash for not protecting its idols from sasaengs.
It’s hard to fathom what the SMTR25 members feel when faced with these sasaengs and their inappropriate actions. We hope SM Entertainment’s warning will help to relieve the situation for the trainees and the affected public.
