An announcement regarding the court’s decision.
SM ENTERTAINMENT recently struck a major blow in the fight against cyber-defamation. The agency announced that it has definitively won its case against the operator of the YouTube channel “탈덕수용소”, infamous for spreading false information and personal attacks targeting several K-pop idols, notably members of the groups EXO, RED VELVET, and AESPA.
The legal battle, begun in April 2024, resulted in an exemplary criminal conviction. The INCHEON DISTRICT COURT found the operator guilty of serious infringement on honor and personality rights. Consequently, the individual was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year suspended sentence, 120 hours of community service, as well as a fine of over 211 million won. Despite several appeals, the initial sentence was confirmed, marking the end of impunity for this content creator.
Beyond the criminal aspect, the civil court also ruled in favor of the agency and its artists on April 22. The SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT ordered the payment of 130 million won in damages directly to the aggrieved artists. Additionally, an further sum of 40 million won was awarded to SM ENTERTAINMENT as compensation for commercial prejudice, with the court recognizing that these malicious videos seriously harmed the brand value and activities of the company.
In its official statement, SM ENTERTAINMENT reaffirms its “zero tolerance” policy toward illegal online behavior. The agency took care to warn that it would continue to actively monitor platforms to protect the integrity of its assets and the well-being of its artists. This court decision sets a strong precedent in the industry, recalling that freedom of expression cannot justify organized harassment or calumny.
This firm conviction marks a decisive turning point in the protection of idols against digital toxicity, proving that financial and criminal sanctions are now a reality for spreaders of false rumors.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS SM Entertainment
