Sangyeong ENM to Sue Over Netizen’s Repeated False Accusations – Chosun Ilbo

South Korea’s Sangyeong ENM announced Thursday that it plans to pursue legal action against an internet user who has repeatedly made false accusations against the company, marking an escalation in the entertainment firm’s battle against online misinformation.

The company, which manages several high-profile K-pop artists and actors, stated that it has gathered substantial evidence of defamation after monitoring social media platforms and online forums for several months. The unnamed netizen allegedly posted fabricated claims about the company’s business practices and treatment of its artists across multiple platforms.

“These malicious and unfounded accusations have caused significant damage to our company’s reputation and created unnecessary anxiety among our artists and their fans,” a Sangyeong ENM spokesperson said in a statement. “After careful consideration and consultation with our legal team, we have determined that legal action is necessary to protect our interests and set the record straight.”

The entertainment industry in South Korea has increasingly faced challenges from online misinformation, with companies adopting more aggressive stances against defamation in recent years. The Korean Entertainment Management Association reports that lawsuits related to online defamation in the industry have increased by approximately 40 percent since 2020.

Legal experts note that South Korean defamation laws provide strong protections for individuals and companies facing false accusations. Under Korean law, spreading false information that damages someone’s reputation can result in imprisonment for up to seven years or fines up to 50 million won (approximately $37,000).

“Entertainment companies have historically been reluctant to pursue legal action against individual netizens, preferring to focus on their core business activities,” said Park Jin-woo, an entertainment law specialist at Seoul National University. “However, as the impact of social media grows and false information can spread rapidly, more companies are recognizing the need to take a firm stance against defamation.”

Industry analysts suggest that Sangyeong ENM’s decision reflects broader concerns about how misinformation can affect not only corporate reputation but also stock prices and business relationships. The company, which went public in 2021, has seen its market valuation fluctuate amid various online rumors over the past year.

The Korea Communications Standards Commission has also expressed concern about the rising tide of false information in the entertainment industry. The regulatory body recently announced plans to strengthen its monitoring of online platforms and provide additional resources for companies and individuals facing defamation.

Sangyeong ENM has not disclosed specific details about the false accusations in question, citing the ongoing legal process. However, sources familiar with the matter indicate that the allegations related to financial improprieties and mistreatment of artists under the company’s management.

Fan communities associated with Sangyeong ENM artists have largely expressed support for the company’s decision. Several fan clubs released statements on social media platforms condemning the spread of misinformation and encouraging responsible online behavior.

“We believe this action is not only about protecting our company but also about ensuring a healthier online environment for everyone in the entertainment industry,” the Sangyeong spokesperson added. “False accusations have real consequences, and we hope this case will serve as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.”

The case highlights the complex relationship between entertainment companies, artists, fans, and the broader online community in the digital age. As social media platforms continue to evolve and information spreads more rapidly than ever before, the balance between free expression and protection against defamation remains a challenging issue for the industry.

Sangyeong ENM has indicated that it will pursue maximum penalties available under the law if the case proceeds to court. The company has also stated that it will continue to monitor online platforms for false information and will not hesitate to take similar action against other individuals who engage in defamatory activities in the future.