SM Entertainment Secures 2-Year Prison Term for Deepfake Creator Targeting aespa

On June 18, the Daegu High Court handed down a 2‑year‑six‑month prison sentence to an individual identified only as “A,” who created and sold deepfake videos of aespa members Karina and Winter for profit. The ruling, issued by the court’s Criminal Division 1, marks a decisive step against the growing threat of non‑consensual synthetic media.

A was found guilty of producing and distributing the manipulated footage, which overlaid the two K‑pop stars’ faces and voices onto existing clips. The court noted that the videos were sold to an online marketplace, generating a clear financial motive behind the offense. In addition to the custodial term, the judge ordered the defendant to complete an 80‑hour sexual‑violence treatment program and imposed a seven‑year ban on employment at any institution that serves children or adolescents.

SM Entertainment released a statement confirming that it is continuing to gather evidence against those who spread malicious rumors, false information, sexual harassment, insults, and manipulated content involving aespa. The agency said it is monitoring major domestic and international platforms—including Theqoo, Instiz, X, DC Inside, Nate Pann, MLB Park, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Ilbe, BobaeDream, FM Korea, Naver, and Daum—and filing complaints with investigative authorities under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, the Information and Communications Network Act, and the Framework Act on Telecommunications.

Deepfakes are synthetic media created with artificial intelligence that can superimpose a person’s face or voice onto existing footage. South Korea amended its criminal law in 2024 to address the misuse of deepfakes, and the 2026 revision expanded penalties to include imprisonment for the creation and distribution of non‑consensual deepfake content. The Daegu ruling is consistent with those amendments and reflects the government’s intent to deter the production of harmful synthetic media.

The Daegu ruling follows South Korea’s 2024 amendment to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, which added provisions for non‑consensual deepfake content. In 2026, the law was further strengthened to impose prison terms for the creation and distribution of deepfake videos that depict sexual content or other protected subjects. The court’s decision reflects the application of these statutes and signals that the judiciary is prepared to enforce the new penalties. The case also illustrates the cooperation between entertainment agencies and law‑enforcement bodies in gathering digital evidence and identifying anonymous distributors.

This case is the first criminal judgment against a creator who targeted aespa, a high‑profile K‑pop group managed by SM Entertainment. The sentencing demonstrates the agency’s zero‑tolerance policy and may serve as a precedent for future prosecutions of deepfake offenses involving other artists.

SM Entertainment confirmed that it will continue to pursue legal action against individuals who distribute or facilitate the spread of deepfake content involving its artists. The agency has secured evidence and is working with platforms and relevant institutions to identify anonymous users. No further court dates have been announced, but the agency stated it will maintain vigilance to protect the rights and interests of its artists.