SM Entertainment Addresses and Refutes Bullying Allegations Against New Girl Group Hearts2Hearts

SM Entertainment Responds to Allegations Against Hearts2Hearts

SM Entertainment has boldly addressed what it describes as “groundless rumors”and bullying allegations surrounding its newly launched girl group, Hearts2Hearts. This eight-member ensemble, which includes Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on, made waves with their debut single album, The Chase, released on February 24.

Debut Dampened by Serious Accusations

The excitement of Hearts2Hearts’ debut has been overshadowed by troubling claims regarding one of its members, Ian. Anonymous posts circulating online allege that Ian engaged in violent and inappropriate behavior during her middle school years. These accusations detail incidents like throwing a rock at a classmate and damaging a fish tank, along with alleged sexual harassment towards teachers.

Support for Accusations from Alleged Classmates

The allegations intensified as individuals claiming to be former classmates of Ian surfaced, presenting what they claim are pre-debut photographs as evidence of her misconduct. This situation has sparked significant debate among netizens, adding to the scrutiny faced by the group.

Controversy Over Social Media Posts

In addition to the allegations, criticism emerged from a controversial social media post that Ian shared before her debut. In this post, which has drawn ire for its use of ableist language, Ian posed with a friend and included a caption that translated to “two disabled people”in Korean. The term “jangae-in, ”used to describe individuals with disabilities, has been trivialized in student vernacular but carries inherent ableist implications.

While some netizens later asserted that the caption may have been written by her friend rather than Ian herself, this claim remains unverified.

Legal Action and Firm Stance from SM Entertainment

Amidst these growing controversies, SM Entertainment has publicly declared its commitment to combating the spread of misinformation. In a statement, the company confirmed the existence of posts filled with false accusations, stating they are pursuing legal action to address these issues decisively. They emphasized that they are taking a firm stance against such defamatory behavior, promising “no leniency or settlement”in the face of character assassination against their artists.

SM outlined its ongoing efforts to safeguard its artists and reinforce its ethical stance in the industry, reaffirming that they will act decisively against detrimental rumors.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding Hearts2Hearts and Ian showcases the complex interplay between public perception and the rapid dissemination of information in the digital age. As the music industry continues to evolve, the handling of allegations and the preservation of artist integrity remain paramount.