A digitally manipulated image claiming to show actors Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin with their son has sparked controversy online and led to official responses from both of their agencies.
The image, which recently went viral on social media, appeared to portray the couple holding a young child in a warm, family-like setting. Given the global popularity of Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin, particularly after their starring roles in the hit drama 'Crash Landing on You,' the photo quickly attracted widespread attention. However, it was soon confirmed that the image was not genuine and had been created using artificial intelligence.
The fake image reportedly originated from a social media user based in India, who uploaded a series of AI-generated family portraits. While many of the photos were obviously artificial, one particular image appeared realistic enough to mislead some international fans into believing it was authentic.
Upon closer inspection, inconsistencies were apparent. Hyun Bin's arm appeared to be missing, and the hand he seemed to be holding Son Ye Jin's with looked distorted and unnatural. The child shown in the image also did not match the age of the couple's real son, who was born in 2022 and is now nearly three years old. This further contributed to public doubt and criticism.
In response to the situation, a representative from Hyun Bin’s agency told OSEN on July 5 that the photo being shared as a family picture was an AI-generated fake. They stated that there was no need for an official announcement beyond confirming its inauthenticity. The agency is currently taking steps to have the manipulated images removed from online platforms in accordance with proper legal procedures to avoid public confusion.
A representative from Son Ye Jin’s agency also commented, emphasizing that the actress has never shared any photos of her child with the public. The spokesperson noted that fabricated images and fan-made depictions of the couple’s child have continued to surface online since news of their marriage was announced. They added that it is difficult to take direct action against foreign social media accounts beyond reporting or requesting removal. However, the agency is making efforts to clarify that such images are not real through official websites and channels.
Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin began their relationship while co-starring in the 2020 tvN drama 'Crash Landing on You.' Their real-life romance drew widespread support from fans across Asia. In Japan, the series remained in Netflix Japan’s Top 10 chart for 72 consecutive weeks, highlighting its explosive popularity.
The couple married in 2022 and welcomed their first child later that year. Despite their public profiles, both have chosen to keep their child out of the spotlight. Son Ye Jin actively communicates with fans through social media, even managing a secondary account, but has never revealed her child’s face. Similarly, Hyun Bin has kept details of his family private, only once mentioning in a television appearance that he believed his son resembled Son Ye Jin more than himself.
The incident highlights the growing challenges that celebrities face in protecting their privacy as AI-generated content becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality.
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