SM Entertainment has stepped forward to address the recent rumors surrounding NCT's Johnny and Haechan.

On June 4, the agency made it clear that there's no truth to the circulating rumors suggesting the two NCT members were involved in inappropriate activities with fans in Japan.

They firmly stated their intention to take strong legal action against the spreading of baseless rumors.

In a statement, SM Entertainment emphasized, "We want to set the record straight. The rumors circulating online regarding NCT's Johnny and Haechan, including claims of involvement in prostitution and drugs, are completely false. These malicious rumors severely damage the reputation of our artists."

The agency also expressed concerns about ongoing false rumors and malicious attacks against not only NCT members but also other artists under their management, such as Heechul.

SM Entertainment made it clear that they wouldn't tolerate such defamation. They announced their plans to take decisive legal action against those responsible for spreading these groundless rumors, stating, "We've gathered substantial evidence related to these false claims and will pursue legal consequences without leniency, regardless of the nationality of the individuals involved."

SM Entertainment's full statement below:

"Hello. This is SM Entertainment.

Currently, there are unspeakably provocative rumors such as NCT's Johnny and Haechan being involved with prostitution and drugs that are spreading indiscriminately online. We have confirmed that these rumors are untrue and that this criminal act seriously damages the artist's reputation.

Additionally, there have been untrue rumors and malicious slander continually created against NCT members and other SM artists, including Heechul.

We have already collected sufficient data on several posts related to the content in question, and we plan not to sit idly by and ensure that the relevant actors are legally punished without leniency or agreement, regardless of nationality.

Please be aware that even at this moment, any act of posting malicious posts may be subject to punishment.

Thank you."

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Source(1)

Kim Soo Hyun has admitted to dating the late Kim Sae Ron but strongly denies that their relationship began when she was a minor.

On March 14, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, released a statement saying, “Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron dated from the summer of 2019, after she became an adult, until the fall of 2020.” They emphasized, “The claim that he was in a relationship with her when she was a minor is not true.”

The agency also clarified that the photos of the two, which were revealed by Garo Sero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) and Kim Sae Ron herself, were taken in 2020 when she was already of legal age.

Regarding the legal implications of the allegations, lawyer Lee Go Eun appeared on YTN News to discuss whether Kim Soo Hyun could face charges if it were proven that he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage.

When asked about the possibility of legal punishment, Lee explained, “Under the law revised in May 2020, any physical relationship with a minor under the age of 16, even with consent, could lead to serious charges.”

However, she pointed out a key legal detail, saying, “Before the 2020 revision, the law applied only to minors under 13 years old. Since Kim Sae Ron was 15 in 2015, the legal framework at the time does not classify her as a protected minor in this context.”

Lee concluded, “Given the laws in place at the time, it seems difficult for Kim Soo Hyun to face legal consequences.”

She further added, “For any case to proceed against him, there would need to be clear evidence of more than just dating. Based on what is currently known, holding him legally accountable may be challenging.”

Source: [1]