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Behind these scams lies a billion-dollar dark market for AI fakes. It's a world where one Japanese creator made over 11 million yen by selling sexual deepfakes of some 300 idols, and coordinated scams are swindling an estimated $5.3 billion from devoted music fans in a single year.
The Crackdown on K-Pop Idol Deepfakes: A Critical Examination of the "19 Deepfake" Phenomenon kpop idol 19 deepfake cracked
Despite the tough laws, enforcement has been inconsistent. In a significant 2025 case, a defendant known only as 'A' was found guilty of making deepfake content of aespa and LE SSERAFIM. He received a suspended jail term, probation, and a work ban involving minors and the disabled. Meanwhile, SM Entertainment (aespa's agency) successfully secured the imprisonment of deepfake perpetrators, with one receiving a . However, in August 2025, a court controversially ruled that AI-generated pornographic images are not punishable if the victim is not a real, identifiable person, exposing a gaping loophole in the law. Behind these scams lies a billion-dollar dark market
Experts and industry professionals have expressed concern about the growing threat of deepfake technology, highlighting: In a significant 2025 case, a defendant known
The creation and distribution of deepfakes involving real individuals without their consent can be considered a violation of privacy and rights. Many jurisdictions are exploring legal measures to combat the malicious use of deepfake technology. Ethically, the creation of such content raises significant concerns about consent, misinformation, and the potential for defamation.
Notable real-world examples include EXO’s Baekhyun and TWICE’s Momo, who faced deepfake abuse, prompting fan-led petitions and public statements from management.
In response to the recent deepfake incident, the K-pop industry has begun to take steps to address the issue. Here are a few measures that have been implemented or proposed:
