SEVENTEEN Mocked Over Military Service as Agency Vows "Zero Tolerance"

Pledis Entertainment, the agency behind K-POP group SEVENTEEN, has warned of strong legal action against malicious mockery and slander targeting members serving in the military.

On Nov. 2, Pledis shared an update on its legal response to violations of its artists' rights through Weverse, the group's official fan community platform.

"We have confirmed that malicious slander, personal attacks, false information and defamatory posts about our artists have recently been spreading, mainly on social media and online communities," the agency said.

The company is paying close attention to malicious posts targeting members over their military service.

"We are also closely monitoring acts that distort facts about individual artists or their military service, as well as the malicious editing of videos and images to belittle and ridicule them," it said.

Eight SEVENTEEN members are currently fulfilling their military duties. Wonwoo, Vernon and Mingyu are serving as social service workers, a form of alternative service in South Korea. Woozi, Hoshi and DK are serving on active duty in the Army.

Seungkwan and Dino enlisted together on Oct. 26. After completing basic military training, the two are expected to serve in a military band. Jeonghan completed his service earlier, on June 25.

Pledis emphasized the seriousness of the situation.

"Malicious mockery and slander targeting members who are faithfully fulfilling their military duties is a serious matter that not only damages the artists' reputations but could also harm their ability to serve in a stable environment," the agency said.

The company said it is continuously monitoring malicious posts and comments while collecting evidence. It plans to take civil and criminal legal action in cases where violations of the law are confirmed.

Accounts that create or spread malicious content on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, are also being targeted for potential legal action. Pledis made clear that deleting posts would not exempt those responsible from potential legal action.

The agency also said it intends to hold not only the original creators of malicious posts accountable but also those who deliberately spread them.

"To protect our artists' rights, we will take firm action under a zero-tolerance policy, without leniency or settlement, against malicious slander and defamation, targeting not only the original creators and posters but also those who maliciously spread such content," Pledis said.