SM Entertainment will take legal actions against the false rumor and malicious comments regarding trainee Yoo Jimin, said the agency on Thursday.
Earlier, SME released an official statement involving their trainee Jimin who was recently embroiled in controversies; thus her agency said, "Recently, malicious rumors about Yoo Ji-min, our trainee, have been spreading indiscriminately online," adding, "We will take civil and criminal legal action against illegal acts such as defamation of character and spreading malicious rumors online to protect the personality and honor of our artists and trainees."
The following is the full text of SM Entertainment's official position:
Hello, we are SM Entertainment.
Recently, malicious talk involving Yoo Jimin, our trainee, has circulated indiscriminately online. Despite posts that are false and fabricated, constantly trying to spread and reproduce malicious rumors or making far-fetched accusations against the trainee is a serious action as it will not only have a negative impact on the reputation of the artist who is about to make her debut but is also accountable for defamation of character.
In order to protect the image and honor of our artists and trainees, we will take civil and legal actions against illegal actions, including online defamation of character and sharing malicious rumors, under the principle of zero tolerance.
In response, we appointed Kim & Chang Law Office as a legal representative and filed a complaint at Gangnam Police Station on October 14, 2020, in opposition to those who were engaged in malicious activities in connection with Yoo Jimin on charges of defamation, insult, etc.
Even after taking legal action, we will proceed with stern measures against those who spread and disseminate malicious rumors on various online sites and social media platforms.
We are consistently keeping an eye on and taking legal action to protect our artists, and we will continue to take serious legal responses against our artists and trainees.
Thank you.
On the other hand, Yoo Jimin is a trainee under SM Entertainment who immediately caught the attention of K-pop enthusiasts due to rumors that she's going to be a member of the upcoming SM new girl group (SMNGG) since Red Velvet.
In particular, her stunning beauty piqued the interests of several fans and netizens, and she became more popular when she appeared in SHINee's Taemin, "Want" MV and performances as a featured dancer-giving a sneak peek at how talented she is.
However, on October 1, she was caught in a false rumor, accusing her that she insulted K-pop idols including BTS Jimin and EXO Kai, as well as the new members of NCT, Sungchan, and Shotaro. A netizen who claimed to be a friend of Yoo Jimin uploaded screenshots containing fabricated messages from the soon-to-be idol, spreading gossip about SM Entertainment and insulting the physical appearances of the idols mentioned above.
Read More: Rumored SM Entertainment Trainee Jimin Receives Backlash for Allegedly Insulting K-Pop Idols
Despite not having proof that Jimin indeed sent those messages, she was immediately attacked by the K-pop fans, receiving several negative comments.
However, fans and supporters of Yoo Jimin are happy that SM took action and it is also a good sign proving that Jimin will be debuting soon, giving the protection her agency gave the trainee.
