Since about two weeks ago, SM Entertainment trainee Yoo Ji Min has been heavily under fire for allegedly insulting some BTS, NCT, and EXO members about their appearance and talents. And today, SM has released the official statement. ŌĆ£Hello, this is SM Entertainment. Recently, malicious rumors involving our agency trainee Yoo Ji Min are being spread thoughtlessly online. Despite the fact that these malicious rumors are false and fabricated, trying to expand and reproduce malicious rumors or making groundless accusations against the trainee is not only a serious act of defamation against an artist who is about to debut but also inflicting severe damages on the individualŌĆÖs personality. In order to protect the honor of our artist artists and trainees, we will take civil and criminal legal action against illegal activities, such as defamation or spreading malicious rumors online, with zero tolerance. We have appointed Kim & Chang Legal Office as our legal representative and filed complaints against several accounts of malicious online activities with the Gangnam Police Department on October 14, 2020. Even after this legal action, we will continue to take stern measures against those who create and manipulate rumors or post and disseminate malicious rumors in various online communities and social networking sites. We have continued to monitor and take legal action to protect our artists and vow to protect our artists and trainees against all illegal activities. Thank you.ŌĆØ Meanwhile, many insiders speculate that SM will debut their rookie girl group next year. Source (1, 2)
