SM Entertainment has finally shared an update on the legal battle to protect NCT’s Jisung from years of online abuse. On October 19, the agency announced that a first-instance court has handed down a guilty verdict — and it comes with a 5 million won fine (approx. $3,757) for the offender.
NCT’s Jisung (Credits: Soompi)
Defamation Campaign Running Since 2022 Ends in Court
The case targeted an individual who had posted numerous defamatory and insulting posts and videos about the idol across X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, with the harassment stretching all the way back to 2022. The court ruled that the defendant’s actions constituted both defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, and criminal insult. A ruling date for the appellate trial has already been scheduled after the defendant filed an appeal.
But that is far from the end of it. SM also revealed it has filed fresh criminal complaints against others whose behavior caused the artist fear or anxiety — including charges under the Stalking Crimes Act and the sexual crimes special cases law. Most recently, a complaint was lodged against one person who allegedly posted 462 malicious posts about Jisung, on charges of Information and Communications Network Act violations, insult, and threats. That investigation is still ongoing.
SM Doubles Down on Zero-Tolerance Policy
The agency emphasized that it is continuously collecting evidence of false information, defamation, and personal attacks across platforms including X, YouTube, and SpinSpin, and will respond with a zero-tolerance policy — no settlements, no leniency. It also warned that anyone who continues infringing even after a court ruling will face additional complaints and full criminal prosecution until the behavior stops completely.
Thanking fans for their patience while investigations limited what could be disclosed publicly, SM promised to keep taking legal action to protect its artists and asked for fans’ continued attention and cooperation.
Also Read: NCT’s Xiaojun Drops Intro Film for Solo Debut Album ‘Hey, Somebody’ Out October 26
Source: Soompi — read the full story there.
