Soompi iconSoompiSep 28, 2026 ~3 min source read

SM Entertainment Files Criminal Complaints Over Illegal AI Images of Lim Yoona and Malicious Posts Targeting aespa’s Winter

SM Entertainment says it has collected evidence and will take staged legal action — including criminal complaints — against people who create or circulate AI-manipulated images of Lim Yoona and malicious online content about aespa member Winter.

SM Entertainment Announces Strict Legal Action Against Malicious Posts And Illegal AI-Generated Images Targeting Lim Yoona And aespa’s Winter

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The agency warns that creating, reposting, or spreading manipulated images or defamatory posts can violate multiple Korean laws and will pursue legal consequences without settlement.

For Winter, SM plans staged legal action against malicious posts across multiple platforms and will pursue identification and prosecution of offenders regardless of location.

The useful part

On September 28, SM Entertainment announced that they had filed criminal complaints against those who create illegal images of Lim Yoona and spread false information based on such images. The agency also warned that it will take strong legal action against malicious posts targeting aespa's Winter. We would like to provide an update regarding violations of the rights of our artist YoonA (Lim Yoona).

How it works

  • Accordingly, following a thorough review by our legal counsel, we plan to proceed with legal action in stages, including filing criminal complaints.
  • Source (1) (2) aespa Lim YoonA Winter Share it on Facebook Twitter Instagram Tiktok Related Similar Articles Must Read
  • Regardless of whether the perpetrators are based in Korea or abroad, we will secure the necessary evidence to identify the authors of the posts and trace how the content was created and circulated, and will...
  • Through reports submitted by fans via "KWANGYA 119" and our ongoing monitoring, we are continuously collecting and securing evidence of such illegal posts.
  • Based on this evidence, we have already filed criminal complaints and will respond firmly without leniency or settlement.

What to take from it

We have recently identified additional cases of illegal images created by manipulating YoonA's likeness without her consent, as well as false information based on such images, being indiscriminately created and circulated primarily on social media and online communities. We strongly ask that you immediately stop creating or posting illegal manipulated content or unverified false information, as well as sharing or redistributing such content—including through reposts and quote posts on social media, articles containing such images, and uploads to various online communities. Please exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in any legal issues as a result of such activities.

Example or evidence

  • We hereby issue a stern warning that we will take strong legal action against malicious posts that continue to be circulated about our artist aespa's Winter.
  • we will respond without exception to illegal activities carried out on anonymous forums and social media platforms beyond those mentioned above.
  • We reiterate that those found to be responsible will face strong legal consequences under our zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement.
  • Through reports submitted by fans via "KWANGYA 119" and our own monitoring, we are regularly collecting and securing evidence of all posts and content that infringe upon the rights of our artists.

Details worth keeping

Regarding Lim Yoona Hello, this is SM Entertainment. Regarding aespa's Winter Hello, this is SM Entertainment. We will continue to strengthen our legal response to malicious posts in order to protect the rights and interests of our artists.

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