NCT's Jisung Targeted by 462 Malicious Posts, SM Vows No Leniency

A person who posted malicious content targeting NCT member Jisung has been fined 5 million won ($3,500) by a court in a first-instance ruling. The defendant has appealed the decision.

SM Entertainment, Jisung's agency, provided an update on Oct. 19 on its ongoing legal action against individuals accused of posting malicious content targeting the singer.

According to the agency, the defendant was prosecuted over numerous posts and videos insulting or defaming Jisung on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube. A court recently sentenced the defendant to a fine of 5 million won.

The court found that the defendant's conduct, which had continued since 2022, constituted defamation under South Korea's Information and Communications Network Act and the crime of insult. The defendant appealed the ruling, and a date has been scheduled for the appellate court's ruling.

Separately, SM Entertainment said it had filed criminal complaints against individuals accused of engaging in conduct that caused Jisung fear or anxiety. The complaints allege violations of laws governing information networks, stalking and sexual crimes.

More recently, the agency filed a complaint against another individual accused of posting 462 malicious posts about Jisung online. The allegations include defamation and other violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, insult and threats. The case remains under investigation.

SM Entertainment said it continues to collect evidence of false information, defamation, insults and malicious personal attacks across platforms including X, YouTube and SpinSpin.

"We will take a zero-tolerance approach, without settlements or leniency," the agency said. "In particular, we will closely track any further violations by individuals who continue to infringe upon the artist's rights even after receiving legal penalties or court rulings, and file additional criminal complaints."

"We will pursue every available legal measure, including criminal penalties, to hold those responsible accountable until the harmful conduct stops completely," it added.

Jisung debuted in 2016 as a member of NCT DREAM. The group is set to release its sixth full-length album, "DREAM AFTER DREAM," on Nov. 9. It will be the group's first album as a six-member lineup following Mark's departure from NCT in April. The album features 10 tracks, including the title song "Boogie Woogie."