Girls' Generation's Yuri Wins Legal Battle Against Defamer Posing as Acquaintance
A fine has been imposed on an individual who spread false information and defamed singer and actress Kwon Yuri, a member of the K-pop group Girls' Generation, by impersonating one of her acquaintances.
SM Entertainment announced on the 17th that a penalty, including a fine, has been finalized against a person who recently defamed Yuri by impersonating an acquaintance and spreading false information.
Yuri's agency stated, "Through fan reports and continuous monitoring, we are consistently pursuing legal action against individuals who post malicious content targeting Kwon Yuri on various platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube."
They further added, "Investigations and inquiries are ongoing for several other cases. We will respond sternly to all illegal acts that infringe upon the rights of our artists, without any leniency or settlement," emphasizing that "all possible civil and criminal measures will be taken."
Impersonating the acquaintances of celebrities can involve complex legal applications depending on the specific methods and damages. In cases like Yuri's, where false information is spread or defamation occurs through impersonation, violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (Information and Communications Network Act) or the crime of defamation under the Criminal Act may apply. Defamation by false information is a serious offense punishable by up to seven years in prison, suspension of qualifications for up to 10 years, or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Meanwhile, Kwon Yuri is set to meet with her fans at her third solo fan meeting, 'YURI'S SECRET DIARY,' on January 24, 2026, at Yonsei University.
Fans reacted positively to the news, with comments like, "Yuri is so strong and decisive!" and "Malicious commenters should always be punished." Many expressed their support for the agency's firm stance on protecting their artists.