A man in his 20s who synthesized the faces of members of the group NewJeans to create and distribute sexual exploitation material was sentenced to a fine.
On the 20th, the 1st criminal division of the Pohang branch of Daegu District Court (Director General Judge Park Gwang-seon) sentenced defendant A to a fine of 15 million won on charges including violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Offenses (distribution of sexual exploitation material, etc.) and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
A is accused of, in January at his residence in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, synthesizing the faces of NewJeans members Haerin, Hanni and Min-ji to edit and composite false videos and thereafter distributing the photos and videos in Telegram rooms.
The court said the defendant distributed false video material on a Telegram channel with about 200 participants that had high likelihood of spreading, and considered that he had not been forgiven by the victims, among other factors, as reasons for the sentence.
Earlier, NewJeans' agency ADOR said the company has continuously monitored domestic and international online communities, music sites and social media channels since NewJeans' debut and has promptly requested removal of posts that infringe on the artists' rights and taken strict legal action. It said it responds strongly to overseas-based sites without exception.
It stressed that it is responding more sternly to deepfake crimes. It said that recently there were requests for settlement from deepfake perpetrators, but those requests were rejected and the agency conveyed its intention to seek severe punishment to investigators. It added that it is actively cooperating with investigative agencies to eradicate deepfake crimes against artists.
Meanwhile, on the 12th ADOR said, "Members Haerin and Hye-in will comply with their exclusive contracts and continue activities with ADOR." It said the two decided to return after careful consideration with their families and in respect of the court's ruling.
But just two hours later, Min-ji, Hanni and Danielle also expressed a sudden intention to return. However, that announcement was a unilateral notice made without prior consultation with ADOR. ADOR said it is arranging individual interview schedules with the members and will do its best to ensure smooth discussions.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]