Deepfake sexual crimes target women, especially celebrities. Legal actions are increasing as the South Korean government addresses the issue.
September/17/2024 17:50
Deepfake (AI-based synthesis) sexual crimes have become a serious social problem. According to a report titled '2023 Status of Deepfakes' released by the American cybersecurity company Security Hero, an analysis of 95,820 videos posted on 10 websites featuring deepfake sexual content revealed that 99% of victims of deepfake obscene images are women, of which 53% are Korean. In particular, the main victims of deepfakes are celebrities such as singers and actresses. Furthermore, among the 10 most targeted individuals, 8 were Korean singers. Celebrities are easily targeted for deepfake crimes due to their exposure in various media. In response, agencies representing female celebrities have indicated they will take legal action. Kwon Eunbi, known as the goddess of 'WATERBOMB' and who has garnered significant attention, was quick to announce her response. After gaining attention from 'WATERBOMB' last year, her agency, which has suffered from sexual harassment, emphasized that they are compiling numerous posts to file a lawsuit against those who synthesized the artist's likeness to disseminate fictitious obscene photos, and investigations are ongoing with the police. Other girl group agencies have also clarified their policies. JYP Entertainment, home to TWICE, stated, 'We take the situation of deepfake videos targeting our artists very seriously. This is a clear illegal act, and we are currently collecting all related materials. We are proceeding with strong legal measures without leniency through a specialized law firm.' Additionally, agencies such as FCENM, which represents ILY:1, YG Entertainment, which represents BLACKPINK and BABY MONSTER, CUBE Entertainment, which represents (G)I-DLE, XGALX, which represents XG, HIGH-UP Entertainment, which represents STAYC, and Modhaus, which represents tripleS, as well as Big Planet Made, which represents VIVIZ and BADVILLAIN, have also announced legal actions. ADOR, which represents NewJeans, which has underage members, responded quickly, stating that those who disseminated and sold obscene photos synthesized with the members' faces had 'some confirmed criminal penalties in the first instance.' Actresses and models are not exceptions. SARAM Entertainment stated, 'Recently, there have been illegal productions and distributions of deepfake videos targeting actress Park Gyu-young and model Aileen. We will respond strictly.' Deepfake is a technology that uses AI to process parts of videos, images, and sounds to create images and videos that do not exist in reality. This technology is used in various fields, including artistic and cultural endeavors like movies, but there have been numerous cases of its misuse for criminal activities. The crime of synthesizing the faces of female celebrities to create and disseminate obscene images has been a problem for some time. Furthermore, during the reporting of the n-room incident in 2020, it was said that there was a 'deepfake room' targeting celebrities. However, completely eradicating this issue has proven difficult. Moreover, with the advancement of AI, deepfake technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, reaching a level where synthesized images and videos no longer exhibit the unnaturalness or discomfort characteristic of such content, leading to even greater harm. Amidst this, the issue of deepfakes has resurfaced and has become a topic of concern overseas as well. Agencies are becoming more vigilant in response to this and are declaring legal actions against sexual crimes. Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, the South Korean government has decided to establish regulations punishing the possession, purchase, and viewing of non-existent images like deepfakes, and is promoting amendments to laws to raise the standards for punishment against the production and distribution of deepfakes. The police are also actively investigating and continuing strong responses, raising questions about whether they can prevent and eradicate the increasing number of victims.
Related Articles
Jisoo from BLACKPINK displays her refined charm in a recent Harper's BAZAAR Korea shoot, highlighting her role as a global ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. The photoshoot features two concepts, 'Perfect Day' and showcases her elegance. In an interview, she reflects on her acting experiences and personal growth over the past year.
In a recent interview, BLACKPINK's Jisoo and actor Seo In-guk discussed their roles in Netflix's 'Monthly Boyfriend.' They reflected on the show's realistic themes, character development, and the positive audience reception, emphasizing the emotional depth of their characters and the fun dynamics on set.
Lisa from BLACKPINK is set to perform her first residency, "Viva La Lisa," at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas from November 13-28. This marks a significant milestone as she showcases her solo career. The residency will feature four performances over two weeks, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. Lisa continues to balance music and acting, having released her solo album and made her acting debut in HBO's "The White Lotus."
BLACKPINK's Lisa celebrated her 29th birthday by transforming into a mermaid, sharing stunning photos from her party on social media. The event featured a beautiful beach backdrop, elegant decorations, and a large cake. Fans praised her enchanting look, while the atmosphere resembled a movie scene. Despite rumors of a romance, her rumored partner was not present in the photos. Lisa's celebration reflected her excitement for her 30s, and fans sent warm wishes as BLACKPINK prepares for their upcoming album release.
On the morning of the 30th, Lee Soo-hyuk departed from Incheon International Airport to Shanghai to attend the YCH fashion week. He was seen alongside other celebrities at events, including the TOM FORD BEAUTY event, and additional stills from Netflix's 'Monthly Boyfriend' featuring BLACKPINK's Jisoo and others were released.
Rosé of BLACKPINK achieved two awards at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, winning 'Best Collaboration' for her duet 'APT.' with Bruno Mars and 'K-POP Artist of the Year.' This adds to her accolades, including nominations and wins at major music awards in the US and UK, showcasing her impact in the music industry.
Lisa from BLACKPINK recently shared vibrant photos from her vacation in Bali on Instagram, captioned 'Go Bali?'. She flaunted her toned body in a colorful bikini, impressing fans with her stunning figure and playful antics, including doing a handstand. BLACKPINK released their third mini-album 'DEADLINE' last month.
JENNIE from BLACKPINK launches a special swimwear collection with Frankies Bikinis, showcasing her unique aesthetic and California influences. The collection features comfortable materials and stylish designs, including exclusive items with a special logo. JENNIE aims for a 'swim-to-street' style, making it versatile for everyday wear. Available from April 3.
Shuhua from i-dle has been cast as the lead in her first film, 'Happy and Joyful Days.' The story revolves around two sisters with contrasting personalities, whose lives are disrupted by a stray cat. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ruan Fengyi, Shuhua plays the energetic youngest sister, Lin Jiaqi, who undergoes personal growth through her experiences. She aims to present a new side of herself as an actress. Meanwhile, i-dle continues their global activities with their world tour and performances at major music festivals.
ADOR has filed a lawsuit against Daniel and former representative Min Hee-jin, claiming damages of about 43 billion won due to issues surrounding NewJeans' departure. The court proceedings emphasize the need for a swift resolution to avoid harming the artists' careers, while both sides remain open to potential reconciliation.
