Actor Lee Yi-kyung has formalized a tough response against an internet user who defamed him with false information. Despite the perpetrator's belated explanation that the private life rumor, fabricated by an "AI composite," was a mere "joke," the agency said there was no agreement and has already taken legal action.
On the 20th of last month, an overseas internet user surnamed A claimed on social media that he had an inappropriate relationship with Lee Yi-kyung and released captured sexual conversation screenshots and message videos that he claimed Lee Yi-kyung had sent. The post even included expressions implying sexual crime, enlarging the controversy. But because the sentence structure was awkward and the content contradictory, questions about authenticity arose, and the released images were ultimately revealed to be AI composite manipulations.
Three days after the exposure, A suddenly posted an apology, saying, "As I made AI photos, they came to feel real. At first it was a joke." He said, "What started from fandom turned into emotional projection. I feel guilty. If there are parts I must take responsibility for, I will," but netizens poured out anger, saying, "This is not a joke but a crime." Criticism continued, such as, "You must realize that you can ruin a person's life with AI," "An apology doesn't make it over," and "Celebrities are still individuals."
Meanwhile, on the 3rd, Lee Yi-kyung's agency Sangyoung ENT issued an official statement expressing deep regret over the recently spread false information and defamation and saying it filed a complaint with the Seoul Gangnam Police Station against the post author and distributors on charges of spreading false information and defamation.
It added, "The company has not attempted any agreement or compensation discussions regarding this matter, and has no plans to do so going forward." It also said, "We will respond without leniency to all malicious posts that damage the personality and honor of our agency's actor," and took a hard line, saying, "We will prevent harm caused by manipulated information and protect the actor's rights to the end."
Netizens also raised voices of support, saying, "Ruining someone's life with AI is clearly a crime," "I hope Lee Yi-kyung fights to the end and sets an example," and "Irresponsible rumor-mongers who thought celebrities would tolerate it must be punished."
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]