NewJeans members were victimized by deepfake sexual exploitation, and the man responsible has been fined.
On November 20, the Pohang branch of the Daegu District Court’s Criminal Division 1, presided over by Judge Park Kwang Sun, sentenced a 21-year-old man to a fine of 15 million KRW (approx. 10,185 USD) for violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth Against Sexual Offenses, including the production and distribution of sexually exploitative material. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
In January, the man produced deepfake photos and videos of NewJeans members Haerin, Hanni, and Minji at his residence in Pohang, Gyeongbuk. He manipulated their faces onto bodies to depict sexual acts and then distributed the content via social media.
“The defendant distributed fabricated videos on a Telegram channel,” the court stated. “Approximately 200 people accessed the channel, making it highly disseminative. The sentencing also considered that the victims have not forgiven him.”
Earlier on November 17, ADOR announced through social media that it was actively cooperating with investigators to eradicate deepfake crimes targeting its artists. The company added that it had rejected recent settlement requests from perpetrators and conveyed its intention to seek stern punishment.
ADOR also warned of a strong legal response to malicious posts. “The severity of rights violations against NewJeans has escalated. We will soon file criminal complaints against individuals who have posted defamatory content online,” the label said.
Meanwhile, NewJeans lost its exclusive contract validity lawsuit on October 30. Haerin and Hyein officially returned to ADOR on the 12th. Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also notified the label of their intent to return through their legal representatives on the same day, though discussions between both sides remain unresolved.
SEE ALSO: ADOR announces legal action to protect NewJeans’ rights
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