SM Entertainment discloses X account IDs as it pursues criminal complaints over attacks on aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH

SM Entertainment has drawn major attention after taking an unusually strong stance against malicious online activity directed at its artists, publicly disclosing the X (formerly Twitter) account IDs of alleged offenders while proceeding with criminal complaints.

On January 20, SM Entertainment released an official statement announcing that it is pursuing criminal charges against individuals who have repeatedly posted malicious content about its artists. According to the agency, certain X users were found to have continuously spread false information, engaged in defamation, sexual harassment, personal attacks, insults, and invasions of privacy.

What set this announcement apart was SM’s rare decision to explicitly list the nicknames and account IDs of the X accounts involved. The company explained that, based on reports submitted through its fan reporting channel KWANGYA 119 and its own internal monitoring, it closely reviewed post contents and attached images. As a result, SM identified criminal activity linked to a total of 11 accounts that had persistently targeted aespa, RIIZE, and NCT WISH.

SM confirmed that it has filed official complaints with investigative authorities in collaboration with the law firm Shin & Kim LLC (Sejong), emphasizing that the move is not a warning but a concrete legal action.

The company further stated that, beyond this case, it is reviewing malicious posts across social media platforms for other SM artists as well. “The scope of legal action will continue to expand,” SM said, adding that it plans to respond without leniency to the spread of false rumors, sexual degradation, and the creation and distribution of deepfake content across major platforms including X, DC Inside, Naver, Daum Cafes, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Reaffirming its long-term position, SM concluded, “In 2026 as well, we will continue to take a firm stance with the protection of our artists’ rights as our top priority,” while urging fans to continue submitting reports and cooperating with ongoing efforts.