SM Entertainment has come under fire for its recent statement about former RIIZE member Seunghan. Despite Seunghan no longer being part of the group, the entertainment agency’s post addressing the malicious activities against him has caused a wave of backlash among netizens, particularly for the timing of their action.
The Controversial Statement
On October 17, SM Entertainment issued a formal post stating their intent to take legal action in response to ongoing defamation and malicious activities directed at Seunghan, who is still an artist under the label, though no longer a member of RIIZE. The statement was shared both on SM’s main account and the official RIIZE group account.
In their message, SM Entertainment addressed the defamation, slander, and spreading of false information targeting Seunghan. The post highlighted how the company has been closely monitoring these activities and that legal measures were already in place based on the substantial evidence they had gathered.
We would like to inform you about the legal actions we are taking in response to defamation and malicious activities against our artist, Seunghan.
Since his debut, we have continuously monitored malicious posts and comments that spread false information, personal attacks, mockery, and insults targeting Seunghan. We have already filed legal complaints for defamation and other unlawful acts, supported by substantial evidence we have gathered.
In particular, we strongly condemn the malicious fabrication and dissemination of false information intended to harm our artist’s reputation and dignity. We wish to remind everyone that such actions are illegal and will not be tolerated.
We will continue to take strong action, without any leniency, against any illegal activities, including defamation and slander, towards Seunghan. As soon as these acts are confirmed, we will pursue legal measures and actively respond to prevent further damage.
We sincerely thank all the fans who continue to support Seunghan. We will do our utmost to protect our artists in the future as well.
Thank you.
— SM Entertainment
While the statement is an attempt to defend Seunghan and address the ongoing malicious online activities, fans and netizens have reacted with intense frustration, feeling that the company’s actions come “too late”.
Fans’ Reaction: “Why Now?”
The timing of SM Entertainment’s legal action sparked outrage among many fans, who voiced their anger on social media. Several felt that the company’s response was delayed, as Seunghan had already faced significant criticism during his time with RIIZE, particularly when he was placed on hiatus. Even after his departure from the group, fans claim that SM Entertainment did little to protect him from online attacks during his most vulnerable moments.
One fan commented:
“SM is so late with this! Where were they when Seunghan was getting hate before?”
Another echoed similar concerns:
“This is just SM trying to save face now, but they failed him when it actually mattered.”
After Seunghan officially left RIIZE earlier this year, the circumstances around his exit were a subject of much debate and speculation. Despite his departure, SM Entertainment clarified that Seunghan remains signed under the label, and they continue to support him as an artist. However, the damage caused by the initial online attacks and subsequent backlash lingers, with fans pointing out that the company should have taken action sooner.
A Late Response to a Long-Standing Issue?
Netizens are not just criticizing the delay in SM Entertainment’s actions but also questioning whether the statement would have any significant impact moving forward. Many believe that the company should have been proactive in defending Seunghan from the start, particularly when rumors and false information first began to circulate.
Despite this, there remains a loyal group of fans who continue to support Seunghan. They are hopeful that SM Entertainment’s legal efforts will help protect him from further harm and that he will be able to move forward positively in his career.
For now, the outrage continues to build online as fans await further updates from SM Entertainment.
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