[Full text] SM: ”The rumors of sex trafficking of 'NCT' Johnny & Haechan are unfounded...Severe punishment will be applied regardless of nationality”

SM Entertainment announced a strong response to the rumours of Jani and Haechan, members of SM Entertainment's group ‘NCT’.

On the evening of the 4th, SM Entertainment announced in an official statement, ‘Rumours of sex trafficking, narcotics and other provocative contents of Jani and Haechan are currently being indiscriminately spread and reproduced online. After confirming the rumours, it was found that they are completely untrue and are a criminal act that seriously damages the honour of the artists’.

They added "In relation to this, there have been a number of untrue and senseless rumours and malicious criticisms directed at “NCT” and other artists belonging to the group, including Kim Hee-chul. The company has already collected sufficient data on a large number of postings in relation to the relevant content and will not stand by and watch such criminal acts, but will legally punish the relevant actors regardless of nationality and without good cause or agreement", and stressed, “Please be aware that all acts of posting malicious postings are subject to punishment even at this very moment. We want you to be aware that all acts of posting malicious postings are punishable at this very moment."

Prior to this, unconfirmed rumours of Japanese origin, such as Kim Hee-chul, a singer belonging to SM Entertainment, and the members of the group ‘NCT’ enjoying entertainment in Japan, have been spreading online. In response, Kim Hee-cheol said, ‘I have never had dinner or drinks outside with the junior members of my company, nor have I met them. Furthermore, I don't even know their contact details,’ he denied, and SM Entertainment also declared a response to the malicious rumours.


Below is the full text of SM Entertainment's statement

Good evening, SM Entertainment.

Rumours about Janis and Haechan's sex trafficking, drug trafficking and other provocative content that is hard to talk about are being indiscriminately circulated and reproduced online at present. After confirmation, the rumours are completely untrue and are a criminal offence that seriously damages the artists' reputations.

In addition, in relation to this, the generation of false and senseless rumours and malicious criticism directed at ‘NCT’ and other artists of the group, such as Kim Hee Chul, is continuing.

The company has already collected sufficient data on a large number of postings in relation to the relevant content and will not stand idly by and allow such criminal acts to continue, and will ensure that the relevant actors are legally punished without any good measure or agreement, regardless of their nationality.

We hope that you realise that every act of posting malicious material at this very moment is subject to punishment.

Thank you.