The entertainment industry has truly become a fight against AI. Now even nonexistent evidence is being fabricated. Because AI technology that makes things look real is being used, victims are suffering directly. Since this is clearly a "crime" that cannot simply be dismissed as a "prank," protective measures are urgently needed.
First, Actor Jung-jae Lee's agency, Artist Company, officially denied reports of a financial regulator investigation and said the claims were baseless. On the 6th the agency said, "While Wider Planet was once investigated by financial authorities in the past, Jung-jae Lee and Artist Company are not subjects of investigation," and added, "Jung-jae Lee had nothing to do with illegal acts such as information leaks or prearranged trading during the paid-in capital increase." It went on to stress, "We will actively respond to clear up misunderstandings. If internal investigations reveal illegal acts, we will take legal action."
Meanwhile, AI-manipulation crimes have emerged as a new form of threat in the entertainment industry. Actor Lee Yi-kyung also became a victim. Someone impersonating him used AI technology to fabricate and spread conversations and photos. The posted material contained content that made it seem as if Lee Yi-kyung had exchanged lewd talk with someone, shocking people.
The agency said, "Author A sent an extortionate email demanding money five months ago, and after legal action was threatened, sent an apology." However, A claimed, "I never demanded money," and instead insisted, "I did it so other women wouldn't be victimized," then released the video claiming it was a DM video. Netizens criticized, saying, "The AI synthesis is very obvious," and "The flow of the conversation is artificial." Ultimately A confessed, "It started as a prank but felt more real over time," admitting everything was AI manipulation.
The problem is that such "AI pranks" do not end as mere incidents. They are crimes of defamation and spreading false information that cannot be seen as simple fandom or curiosity. In fact, under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, defamation by spreading false information can be punished by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. In addition to criminal punishment, civil claims for damages may follow, making this a serious matter.
A celebrity's reputation is not just an image but an asset directly tied to economic value. As such, even a minor rumor is hard to recover from. Even if false information already spread is deleted, traces remain, and that leads to real harm. Netizens also could not hide their anger. Responses included, "You ruined someone's life and expect 'it was a prank' to be acceptable?", "AI manipulation is not a simple game but a crime," and "Celebrities are easier targets because they are well known."
Experts warned, "Advances in AI technology are being abused as new means of crime," and said, "Especially because celebrities whose faces and names are widely known are vulnerable to manipulation, legal and technical protective measures are urgently needed."
[Photo] OSEN DB
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