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    HomeSportsProtest trucks organizers defaming BTS’ Jungkook amid aespa’s Winter dating rumors reported...

    Protest trucks organizers defaming BTS’ Jungkook amid aespa’s Winter dating rumors reported to face criminal action

    Sports

    Published on

    On December 12, South Korean media outlet Lawtalk reported that people linked to protest trucks targeting BTS’ Jungkook may face legal action. Law specialists say the move amounts to planned reputational harm and the public circulation of damaging claims. The situation gained attention after digital trucks appeared near HYBE’s Yongsan offices and SM Entertainment’s Seongdong site.

    They were reportedly arranged by a group of fans reacting to dating talk involving Jungkook and aespa’s Winter. Text shown on the screens criticized the Bangtan Boy and accused him of misleading supporters. Some lines called for limits on his group work over alleged shared tattoos. Other remarks questioned his decisions and their effect on BTS.

    Experts noted that coordinating such displays can trigger criminal responsibility under Article 307 of the Criminal Code. Those who drafted the messages may also be liable if intent is confirmed. People who contributed funds could be questioned if they knew the purpose in advance. The rumors pointed to similar tattoos, accessories, and overlapping public sightings.

    SM takes legal action after aespa’s Winter faces online attacks linked to dating rumors with Jungkook

    SM Entertainment is expanding legal action after a rise in harmful online posts targeting aespa’s Winter. The agency linked the spike to recent dating rumors involving BTS Jungkook. In a statement released on Wednesday, SM said it is fully aware of the severity of the issue.

    “We would like to provide an update on the legal actions being taken to protect the rights and interests of our artist, aespa’s Winter,” SM stated.

    SM released a statement about WINTER ​Hello, this is SM Entertainment.​We would like to provide an update on the legal actions being taken to protect the rights and interests of our artist, aespa’s Winter.Through valuable reports submitted by fans via ‘KWANGYA 119’ and our own monitoring, we are fully aware of the seriousness of the ongoing malicious posts and comments related to our artist (including sexual harassment, defamation, personal attacks, insults, invasion of privacy, deepfakes, etc.).​In particular, we have identified numerous acts damaging Winter’s character and reputation, as well as malicious postings and sexually harassing content made with the intention of publicly slandering the artist, on platforms such as DC Inside, Women’s Generation, Nate Pann, Instiz, Theqoo, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. After reviewing these posts, we will be expanding the filing of complaints in stages.​Additionally, our company is proceeding with criminal complaints and civil claims against individuals who have created malicious posts about aespa on the platforms mentioned above. We have also secured large amounts of evidence regarding the creation of malicious rumors, repeated spreading of false information, sexually harassing posts, and mocking or distorted content produced and distributed through personal social media, online communities, and anonymous forums. ​We will be responding strongly and without leniency, so we ask that you exercise caution to avoid being involved in any such incidents.We will continue to make every effort in all areas to protect the rights and interests of our artists.​Thank you.

    It cited defamatory remarks, s*xual comments, false claims, privacy breaches, and edited material, including deepfake content. The company said these cases are being handled seriously. SM confirmed it has been closely monitoring major online communities and social media platforms as well. The agency said criminal complaints and civil lawsuits are already in progress. Additional filings will follow after further evidence review.

    “In particular, we have identified numerous acts damaging Winter’s character and reputation, as well as malicious postings and sexually harassing content made with the intention of publicly slandering the artist, on platforms such as DC Inside, Women’s Generation, Nate Pann, Instiz, Theqoo, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. After reviewing these posts, we will be expanding the filing of complaints in stages,” Winter’s company continued.

    SM said it is collecting extensive digital records and stressed that there will be no leniency. The agency also issued a warning to online users. It urged people to refrain from spreading rumors or sharing misleading content.

    The Jungkook-Winter alleged dating backlash also led to a visible smear hate campaign online. Several large fan sites, including prominent Chinese platforms, announced permanent shutdowns. Many shared lengthy farewell messages explaining their decisions.