SM responds to malicious comments about RIIZE, ex-member Seunghan

K-pop boy group RIIZE / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment is taking legal action against individuals spreading malicious comments and false information about the members of boy group RIIZE and former member Seunghan.

"We are currently gathering malicious posts and comments containing threats, defamation and insults directed at RIIZE members through reports from fans and our own monitoring. We are also focusing on filing legal complaints against individuals who continuously spread false information on specific platforms," SM Entertainment said Thursday.

"Among these cases, we inform you that some individuals have been prosecuted with specific charges, including impersonating RIIZE members' acquaintances on Instagram to write false information or engage in illegal acts."

Emphasizing that spreading rumors or baseless information is illegal, the agency vowed to take strong action against the violation of the artists' rights and encouraged fans to report any such posts and comments.

"(SM Entertainment) will continue to implement strong measures against those who post malicious content and videos targeting RIIZE on platforms like Instagram, X and YouTube, both domestically and internationally. We will respond to these illegal activities without compromise or leniency, so please be careful not to get involved in any regrettable incidents," it said.

"We sincerely thank our fans for their unwavering interest and support for RIIZE. In the future, if you come across any illegal activities related to RIIZE, we kindly ask that you actively report them and provide any information you may have."

In a separate statement, the agency also announced that it is pursuing legal action against the individuals for posting hateful comments about Seunghan.

"Since his debut, our company has been continuously monitoring malicious posts and comments containing false information, personal attacks, insults and defamation against Seunghan. We've already collected a significant amount of evidence and are taking action, including submitting criminal complaints for various illegal activities," it said, adding it will show no leniency in taking legal actions.

Seunghan debuted as a member of RIIZE in September last year but was embroiled in controversies concerning his private life before his debut, leading him to go on an indefinite hiatus two months later.

SM announced his return last week, saying that having all seven members together would make RIIZE's next act more meaningful.

"Seunghan has consistently worked hard to improve his skills even during his hiatus. As he has much more to show in the future, we hope you will support him with warmth and support," it said.

But the decision was met with significant backlash from the group's fans, who disapproved of his return. The agency reversed the decision only two days later, announcing Seunhan's departure from the group.

"We have realized that our decision has instead caused greater confusion and pain to our fans," it said. "At the same time, Seunghan has expressed his intention to leave the team for the sake of the members and fans."