In today’s digital world, some hide behind the cloak of anonymity to hurl insults, spread baseless rumors, and launch relentless attacks on others. While celebrities are often described as thriving on public adoration, there’s no excuse for them to endure unwarranted hate.
For years, negative comments about public figures were shrugged off as part of the job. But these stars are humans with feelings, and their mental health often suffers. Agencies, citing risk management, have mostly stayed silent amid the flood of malicious remarks. As a result, many celebrities have faced emotional distress or even stepped away from their careers. Tragically, even after heartbreaking losses like those of Sulli and Goo Hara, the cycle of online abuse has continued — fleeting moments of mourning followed by collective forgetfulness.
In 2025, however, many stars who baseless rumors and hateful slander have impacted have banded together to launch an Anti-Malicious Comment Project, signaling a new front in the fight against online toxicity.
Kyuhyun, a member of Super Junior, and his agency Antenna have taken a firm stand against a wave of online harassment.
On Wednesday, Antenna released a statement: “We have observed numerous attacks targeting Kyuhyun that go far beyond freedom of expression, infringing on his dignity. These include attempts to disrupt his activities, spreading false information, verbal abuse, profanity, and sexual harassment. These malicious posts not only harm Kyuhyun but also cause distress among his fans.”
“Based on reports and ongoing monitoring, we are preparing to pursue strong legal action. We will continue to take legal steps against any future defamation or harmful acts directed at our artists,” the agency added.
Earlier, Kyuhyun faced backlash after appearing on Netflix’s variety show The Devil’s Plan: Death Room, where he was accused of allying with co-star Yoon So Hee to ensure Jeong Hyun Gyu’s victory, sparking debate over his character. Kyuhyun addressed fans via a community platform, saying, “Not everything can be shown on the broadcast. I’ll share more details later, so please don’t be too upset. The cast members have a close bond and truly understand each other, so please look on us kindly.”
Seohyun, the beloved singer and actress from Girls’ Generation, is also standing strong against online hate.
Her agency, LEAD Entertainment, announced on Wednesday, “We are working closely with our legal partners to take firm legal action against the spread of malicious slander, false information, personal attacks, defamation, and harmful comments across various online platforms.”
The statement emphasized, “Repeated attacks on Seohyun’s reputation and character are clear crimes, and there will be no settlements or leniency. We’ve started collecting evidence to protect her and ask fans to report any illegal activities they come across — these reports will greatly aid our legal efforts.”
Actress Lee Se Young has also declared a no-compromise approach to tackling malicious commenters.
Last month, her agency, FNC TPC, shared, “We have begun preparing legal actions against those spreading false information, posting harmful content, or leaving malicious comments about Lee Se Young.”
They added, “We will take strong measures against all documented cases and will respond with appropriate penalties to any new legally actionable content.”
The agency stressed, “We will not entertain settlement talks and will pursue strict legal measures without exception.” They also pledged to “fully support Lee Se Young’s career, introducing her in a variety of exciting new projects and roles.”
More brutal than a grueling schedule is the nonstop flood of online abuse artists endure every day. Malicious comments aren’t freedom of speech — they’re indiscriminate social violence. The entertainment industry’s zero-tolerance policy sends a clear message: before any artist falls victim to these attacks, they will raise a shield. This movement must go beyond a one-time effort — it needs to be a lasting commitment to prevent further tragedies.
