SM Entertainment has stepped up its response to malicious online content targeting aespa member Winter, warning that those responsible could face legal consequences.

On Monday, Sept. 28, the agency issued a statement through its official social media accounts addressing what it described as a continued spread of illegal posts and content aimed at the singer. According to SM Entertainment, the material includes false information, defamatory statements, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks and sexual harassment across multiple online platforms.

"Various illegal posts and content, including the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment targeting our artist, continue to be posted across various platforms," the agency stated.

SM Entertainment said that it has been monitoring the situation and reviewing the available material with its legal counsel. Following that review, the company confirmed that it intends to pursue legal action against individuals responsible for the alleged offenses.

"After thorough review by our legal counsel, we plan to proceed with legal measures, including filing criminal complaints, in stages," the agency added.

The agency's latest statement makes clear that anonymity on the internet will not necessarily protect those behind the posts. SM Entertainment said it intends to investigate activity taking place across anonymous communities as well as social media platforms.

Rather than limiting its response to posts made within South Korea, the company also said it would pursue evidence involving activity from overseas platforms and users.

"Regardless of whether the activity takes place domestically or overseas, we plan to secure the necessary evidence to identify the routes through which the posts were created and distributed, as well as the individuals responsible, and request investigations by the relevant authorities," SM Entertainment explained.

The statement suggests that the agency is focusing not only on the content itself but also on tracing how allegedly illegal material was created and circulated online. This could involve collecting evidence about the accounts, posts and distribution routes connected to the content before submitting relevant information to authorities.

SM Entertainment also issued a strong warning to individuals who may be identified as responsible for the alleged malicious activity. The company said it intends to pursue consequences under what it described as a zero-tolerance policy.

The agency specifically stated that it would not offer leniency or settlements to perpetrators identified through its legal process.

"We once again emphasize that we will hold perpetrators firmly accountable under the principle of zero tolerance, without any leniency or settlement," SM Entertainment stated.

It continued, "We strongly urge everyone to exercise caution and refrain from participating in criminal activity."

The announcement reflects the increasingly active role entertainment agencies are taking in addressing online harassment and defamatory material involving their artists. For major K-pop acts with large international fan bases, content can spread rapidly across multiple platforms, making monitoring and evidence collection more complex.

SM Entertainment's statement does not identify specific individuals who are currently facing complaints, nor did the agency disclose details about the alleged posts or provide a timeline for the criminal complaints. Instead, it indicated that legal measures would be taken progressively following the review of evidence.

The legal warning comes as Winter remains active with aespa. The group recently released its special digital single, 'SYNK: COMPLaeXITY – 2026 Special Digital Single', on September 14.

The release adds to aespa's ongoing musical activities while attention surrounding the group continues across domestic and international fan communities.

For now, SM Entertainment has made its position clear: content targeting Winter that crosses into alleged illegal activity will be subject to legal review, regardless of whether it originates from a named account, an anonymous forum or an overseas platform.

The agency's latest announcement also serves as a reminder that online posts, even when made anonymously, can potentially become subject to legal investigation when they involve conduct that authorities determine to be unlawful.