Aespa's Winter. [Yonhap]
Aespa's Winter. [Yonhap]

SM Entertainment has announced it will take strong legal action against malicious online posts targeting Winter, a member of the K-pop group Aespa.

The agency posted a stern warning on its official social media Monday, saying it "solemnly warns that it will take strong legal measures against malicious posts that are continuously being spread targeting Winter."

It said illegal content — including the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks and sexual harassment — has been posted persistently across various platforms. The agency said it plans to proceed with legal steps, including filing complaints, following a thorough review by its law firm.

SM Entertainment added that it will respond without exception to illegal activity on anonymous message boards and social media beyond the platforms already mentioned. It said it will secure materials needed to identify the authors and distribution channels of such posts — domestic and international — before referring the cases to the relevant investigative authorities.

"Any perpetrators caught will be held to strong legal accountability under a zero-tolerance policy, with no leniency or settlement of any kind," the agency said.

Meanwhile, Aespa has built a strong following with a string of hit songs, including "Next Level," "Armageddon" and "Whiplash." The group also released a special digital single, "Sync: Complexity — 2026 Special Digital Single," on Sept. 14.


choigo@heraldcorp.com