As deepfake crimes continue to be a serious issue, YG Entertainment has announced legal action against the distribution of illegal deepfake videos involving their artists.
On September 2 KST, YG Entertainment released a statement saying, "We are taking the production and dissemination of inappropriate deepfake videos involving our artists very seriously. We are continuously monitoring these widespread and malicious illegal activities and are working to delete and block such videos. We are pursuing all possible legal actions, including criminal proceedings."
The agency further stated, "We will continue to respond firmly and rigorously to all illegal activities that severely harm the dignity and honor of our artists."
Artists under YG Entertainment include BabyMonster, Yoo In Na, Lee Sung Kyung, Kyung Soo Jin, and Na Eun. Although BLACKPINK members have individual agencies, their group activities continue under YG Entertainment.
On August 30 KST, JYP Entertainment also addressed the issue through TWICE's fan community, stating, "We are taking the recent spread of deepfake (AI-based synthetic) videos targeting our artists very seriously. This is a clear illegal act, and we are currently collecting relevant materials and pursuing strong legal action without leniency, in cooperation with a specialized law firm."
In July, singer Kwon Eun Bi filed a lawsuit against those who distributed fake explicit images. Her agency, Woollim Entertainment, announced, "We have submitted an initial complaint after gathering multiple posts related to the criminal act of creating and distributing fake explicit photos using the artist's likeness, and the police investigation is ongoing." In June, NewJeans also took legal action against deepfake crimes. Their agency, ADOR, stated, "The police are investigating those who committed the intolerable crime of creating, distributing, and selling fake explicit photos using the artist's likeness, and some of these individuals have already been criminally sentenced in the first trial."
Deepfake crimes have become a severe social issue recently, with the police launching a major crackdown on deepfake sex crimes since the end of August. Between August 26th and 30th, a total of 118 reports were received, 33 suspects were identified, and seven were arrested.
Deepfake crimes have also caught the attention of international media. According to a report by The Guardian in March, approximately 4,000 global celebrities have been victims of deepfake pornography on just five of the most popular deepfake websites. These five sites collectively amassed 100 million views in just three months, causing significant concern.
Additionally, The Wall Street Journal, citing a security company's report, reported that half of all deepfake pornographic content involves female K-pop singers and actresses. An analysis of around 100,000 videos across more than 100 websites revealed that 53% of the victims were from South Korea, with singers being the most targeted profession. Among the top 10 individuals most frequently featured in these videos, eight were Korean singers.
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