Associated Incidents
The growing problem of impersonation and deepfake misuse in the entertainment industry has prompted actor Kim Seon-ho's agency to issue a public warning and pledge strong action.
Fantagio wrote on its official social media channels on Tuesday that recent cases had emerged of "deepfake videos and impersonation attempts demanding money in Kim Seon-ho's name."
"Neither the actor nor our staff will ever ask individuals for money or personal information through private contact," the agency said. "Impersonation of the actor and the spread of false information through the misuse of deepfakes are clearly illegal acts."
Fantagio said it will continue monitoring and take firm measures against such activities. "We urge fans to be especially cautious to avoid harm," the company added.
Kim is not the first celebrity to face such problems. Kick the Hurdle Studio, which represents YouTuber Dex, warned last year that his likeness was being used in deepfake gambling ads online.
Saram Entertainment also reported the illegal production and distribution of deepfake content targeting actress Park Gyu-young. In May, Blitzway Entertainment, home to stars including Ju Ji-hoon and Chun Woo-hee, revealed that scams impersonating the company and its actors for financial gain had been discovered both domestically and abroad.
Despite repeated warnings and countermeasures, agencies say impersonation and exploitation through deepfakes remain a persistent source of distress for stars.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.