"Unauthorized leaks and distribution are clear violations of the law."

SM Entertainment is stepping up to protect the privacy of its artists. The entertainment giant has announced its intention to take legal action against those who have unlawfully leaked and distributed private photos. The company's stance is clear: such actions are blatant violations of the law, and they will respond firmly to protect their artists and prevent future incidents.

RIIZE, SM's rookie group set to debut on September 4th, has faced a crisis even before their official debut. Having garnered significant attention as SM's first group since NCT, the group has now been thrust into an unwanted spotlight due to privacy-related issues. Recently, photos allegedly depicting RIIZE member Seunghan in an intimate moment with a woman have been circulated on online communities and social media platforms.

Although RIIZE has not officially debuted yet, being a rookie group from one of the top three entertainment agencies in Korea, SM Entertainment, Seunghan's issue has attracted a lot of attention. Numerous reports on the matter have only fueled the speculations.

Ultimately, on the afternoon of the 30th, Seunghan issued an apology through RIIZE's official social media, stating, "At such a crucial moment leading up to our debut, my personal actions have caused harm to the team and disappointed both the members and the company. I deeply regret not apologizing sooner due to my fears and anxieties. I take full responsibility for my thoughtless actions and have reflected deeply upon my past behaviors." He promised to give his utmost sincerity in all of RIIZE's future activities.

Simultaneously, SM Entertainment announced its intention to take legal action regarding Seunghan's privacy breach. Through an official statement released that afternoon, SM said, "We'd like to address the unauthorized posting of photos related to a RIIZE member's private life. Such unauthorized leaks and distribution are clear violations of the law. We are currently gathering evidence against those who have posted these photos online and will also be collecting extensive data against those who further distribute or reproduce these images."

The statement continued, "We plan to press charges against any confirmed criminal activities related to this matter. We urge everyone to be cautious and not get involved in this regrettable incident."

At a time leading up to their debut, an unnecessary issue has arisen. While Seunghan has apologized, SM Entertainment has chosen to take legal action to protect its artist. The unauthorized distribution of private photos is not only a clear violation of the law but also a crime. The company's decision to respond firmly is aimed at safeguarding its artists. It's not just Seunghan; many celebrities recently have faced distress due to unauthorized leaks of their private lives. SM's stance is to rigorously monitor and respond to such illegal activities to prevent them from recurring.

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