SM Entertainment boy trainee team SMTR25 complained of suffering from invasions of privacy before their debut.
On the 25th, SM Entertainment posted a lengthy statement on its official social media saying, "Recently, as acts that seriously infringe on SMTR25's privacy have continued to occur, we would like to state our position regarding this."
That day SM said, "So-called sasaengs have not only trespassed into SMTR25's residence without permission, but repeated invasions of privacy such as excessive physical contact and unauthorized riding in taxis have occurred, causing the members extreme suffering."
It added, "In addition, noise pollution such as shouting loudly while calling trainees' names inside the building, illegal dumping of trash, and trespassing into areas closed to outsiders have occurred, and this is causing considerable damage not only to our trainees but also to residents who share the space."
SM appealed, "Because these acts are causing anxiety in the daily lives of trainees who have not yet officially debuted and causing serious harm to the point that nearby residents are complaining of discomfort, we ask that all acts that infringe on artists' privacy stop immediately."
It continued, "We have already responded with measures such as verbal warnings and bringing a security team, but the situation has not improved and has reached its limits," and added, "If the above situation does not improve immediately, we will take active legal measures to prevent safety accidents for our trainees and residents, protect privacy and prevent crime, and will respond strictly on a zero-tolerance basis, so please be careful not to become involved in any untoward incidents."
Finally, SM said, "We will continue to do our best to protect our trainees and artists."
Meanwhile, SM has officially said that a major rookie boy group will debut this year, heightening curiosity about who the new faces will be, and since SMTR25 has been suggested as a possible candidate, expectations are pouring in.
SMTR25 will hold their first fan meeting, Reply High School Fan Meeting Tour - Graduation Trip in SEOUL ('Reply High School' fan meeting tour – Graduation Trip in Seoul), at Olympic Hall in Seoul Olympic Park from May 1 to 3.
below is the full text of SM Entertainment's official statement
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We sincerely thank the fans who show deep affection and support for SMTR25.
Recently, as acts that seriously infringe on SMTR25's privacy have continued to occur, we are stating our position regarding this.
So-called sasaengs have not only trespassed into SMTR25's residence without permission, but repeated invasions of privacy such as excessive physical contact and unauthorized riding in taxis have caused the members extreme suffering.
In addition, noise pollution such as shouting loudly while calling trainees' names inside the building, illegal dumping of trash, and trespassing into areas closed to outsiders have occurred, and this is causing considerable damage not only to our trainees but also to residents who share the space.
Because these acts are causing anxiety in the daily lives of trainees who have not yet officially debuted and causing serious harm to the point that nearby residents are complaining of discomfort, we ask that all acts that infringe on artists' privacy stop immediately.
We have already responded with measures such as verbal warnings and bringing a security team Daedong, but the situation has not improved and has reached its limits.
If the above situation does not improve immediately, we will take active legal measures to prevent safety accidents for our trainees and residents, protect privacy and prevent crime, and will respond strictly on a zero-tolerance basis, so please be careful not to become involved in any untoward incidents.
We will continue to do our best to protect our trainees and artists.<
[photo] SM Entertainment
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