Amid analysis showing that more than half of people appearing in deepfake sex-crime videos are Korean celebrities, SM Entertainment reaffirmed its hardline stance, announcing that 12 offenders targeting its artists have received prison sentences.
In an official statement on the 10th, SM said it is pursuing legal action against "the spread of false information, defamation, sexual harassment, deepfakes, personal attacks, and invasions of privacy that harm artists’ personal rights."
The company defined the production, distribution, and possession of illegal sexually explicit composites as "serious crimes that sexually degrade and defame artists," adding that it has continuously collected evidence and filed complaints in cooperation with investigative authorities.
As a result, most suspects in the deepfake cases handled so far have been apprehended, and 12 of them were sentenced to prison for violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (including distributing fabricated videos).
According to SM, those offenders received terms ranging from two years and six months to up to four years, along with employment restrictions and court-ordered sex crime treatment programs. Their appeals were all dismissed, the rulings are now final, and they are currently serving their sentences.
SM noted that deepfake offenders often use overseas social platforms with high anonymity to spread illegal composites. "By working with a U.S. law firm and cooperating with investigative authorities, these individuals are being caught without exception," the company said. "Criminal punishment for the creation, distribution, and possession of deepfakes is extremely severe. Please exercise utmost caution to avoid involvement in such misconduct."
The company also thanked platforms including Telegram, X, Instagram, and Discord for their cooperation, adding, "We will continue to prioritize protecting our artists’ rights and interests in all responses going forward."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)