Fandom is meant to celebrate artists, not harm them. On September 28, SM Entertainment issued two firm statements: one about AI-generated images of Lim Yoona and one about malicious posts against aespa’s Winter. Both carry the same message of zero leniency.
Table of Contents
SM Entertainment Statement Snapshot
| Lim Yoona | aespa’s Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| Issue | Illegal AI-manipulated images and false information based on them | Malicious posts, defamation, insults and sexual harassment |
| Action | Criminal complaints already filed | Legal action in stages, including criminal complaints |
| Stance | No leniency or settlement | Zero tolerance, no leniency or settlement |
The Yoona Case: AI Fakes Are Not Harmless
SM said it found additional cases of AI images that manipulate YoonA’s likeness without her consent, plus false information built on them, spreading across social media and online communities. Evidence is being gathered through fan reports on “KWANGYA 119” and the agency’s own monitoring, and complaints have already been filed.
Sharing Can Be a Violation Too
The most important warning is for everyday fans. The agency says that creating illegal manipulated content, and also sharing, reposting or quote-posting it, may violate Korean law. It cited possible breaches of the Information and Communications Network Act, including defamation and infringement of portrait rights, as well as the sexual crimes act’s rules on fabricated videos. Articles containing such images and community uploads are covered too.
The Winter Case: Staged Legal Action
For aespa’s Winter, SM listed harmful posts spreading false information, insults, slander, personal attacks and sexual harassment across platforms including X, Instagram, YouTube and several Korean communities. After legal review, it plans staged action, starting with criminal complaints.
No Hiding, No Borders
The agency says anonymity won’t protect offenders. Whether they are in Korea or abroad, SM says it will gather evidence to identify authors, trace how content spread, and request investigations by the relevant authorities.
What Fans Can Do?
Don’t share or repost suspicious images, and report harmful content through official channels. For more K-pop news and updates as they break, keep exploring Technosports.
FAQs
Q1. What is SM Entertainment doing about the AI images of Yoona?
It has already filed criminal complaints and is collecting evidence.
Q2. Can reposting such images cause legal trouble?
Yes, SM warns that sharing or reposting them may also violate the law.
