On the afternoon of October 17, SM Entertainment released an official statement and revealed their intention to file threats and defamation against boy group RIIZE.
Below is SM Entertainment’s full statement:
“Hi, I’m SM Entertainment.
We would like to update you on the legal measures we are taking in response to rights violations involving RIIZE members (Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, Anton).
We have collected harmful posts and comments, including threats, defamation and insults directed at RIIZE members, through fan reports and our monitoring. We are focusing legal action against individuals who continue to spread false information on certain platforms.
In particular, we have referred certain individuals for prosecution, including those who impersonated acquaintances of RIIZE members on Instagram and spread false information, as well as those involved in proven illegal acts. We are responding robustly in line with our principles and will provide updates on the progress of these cases.
Fabricating unfounded information or spreading false rumors that damage someone’s reputation, as well as creating harmful content by editing or altering an artist’s image, are clear illegal acts.
We will continue to take strong action, both domestically and internationally, against those who post harmful content or videos targeting RIIZE on platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. We reiterate that we will not offer any compensation or leniency, so please be careful to avoid getting involved in these illegal activities.
We sincerely thank all the fans who have shown unwavering support and encouragement for RIIZE. We ask for your continued cooperation in reporting any illegal activities involving RIIZE that you may encounter.
Thank you.”
Additionally, the agency also released a similar statement regarding former RIIZE member Seunghan, showing their intent to protect the male idol despite his departure from the group after a controversy over his personal life.
On the other hand, Seunghan debuted with RIIZE in September last year, but went on an indefinite hiatus in November of that year due to personal problems. He became the subject of controversy after a photo of him kissing a woman was circulated.
RIIZE was active as a 6-member group for a while, but Seunghan’s return was announced in October. However, due to strong opposition from fans, who even sent mourning flowers to SM Entertainment, the agency backtracked and canceled Seunghan’s return to the team.
Source: Daum (1) (2)
