SM Entertainment Responds to Rumors Surrounding Super Junior's Kim Hee-chul and NCT 127 Members
According to a Korean news article, SM Entertainment has taken legal action against rumors surrounding Super Junior's Kim Hee-chul and NCT 127 members Johnny and Haechan. The account that initially spread these rumors has since been deleted.
On the 4th, SM Entertainment stated on their official website, "Currently, online rumors involving Johnny and Haechan in matters such as prostitution and drug use, which are too shocking to even mention, are being recklessly spread and reproduced. After verification, these claims are completely untrue," firmly dismissing the allegations.
The agency continued, "Unfounded rumors and malicious slander targeting our artists, including NCT and Kim Hee-chul, are ongoing. This constitutes a criminal act that severely damages the reputation of our artists," they emphasized.
SM Entertainment added, "We have already collected sufficient evidence on numerous posts related to these claims. We will not overlook these criminal acts and plan to legally punish the perpetrators without leniency or settlement, regardless of nationality."
They further warned, "Please be aware that any malicious posts made from this moment can be subject to legal action."
Earlier that day, serious rumors had surfaced on Japanese social media claiming that Kim Hee-chul, Haechan, and Johnny had visited an entertainment establishment in Tokyo. These rumors quickly spread to various communities and social media platforms, escalating the controversy.
In response, Kim Hee-chul directly addressed the issue on a fan communication platform, stating, "I am addressing this briefly here to prevent worry and disappointment. I have never once gone out to eat or drink or met privately with my company's juniors outside of work. I don't even have their contact information," thus refuting the claims.
With Kim Hee-chul's direct clarification and SM Entertainment's intervention, the account that initially mentioned the rumors was deleted. However, the severe rumors have left wounds on Kim Hee-chul, NCT's Haechan and Johnny, and their fans.