LE SSERAFIM Deepfake creator sentenced to prison as Source Music vows zero tolerance toward malicious content

The creator who produced deepfake content targeting LE SSERAFIM has been sentenced to prison.

On December 29, Source Music shared an update via the fan community platform Weverse, stating, “To protect the rights and interests of our artist LE SSERAFIM, we are taking legal action against malicious posts based on evidence collected through our own monitoring efforts and reports submitted by fans.”

According to the agency, Source Music gathered materials through internal monitoring and fan tip-offs and filed criminal complaints against individuals accused of spreading false information, defamation, insults, and sexually defamatory content. The statement noted that malicious posts using expressions such as “cult” and “pseudo-religion” have already resulted in finalized guilty verdicts for defamation. The agency emphasized that it will respond firmly to any future attempts to attach malicious imagery to LE SSERAFIM using similar language.

Source Music also provided an update on investigations into deepfake-related crimes. “Strong penalties are being imposed on individuals who produced and edited fabricated deepfake videos targeting our artists and distributed them through platforms such as Telegram,” the company said. “In one recent case, a prison sentence has been handed down, and in another, the defendant remains in custody while the trial is ongoing.” The agency added that even when anonymous overseas platforms like Telegram are used, it will continue to work closely with law enforcement and international investigative bodies to track perpetrators to the end and ensure severe legal consequences.

Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM is set to appear on ABC’s live broadcast of 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026' on December 31 (local time).

Full Statement from Source Music:


"Hello, this is Source Music.

To protect the rights and interests of our artist LE SSERAFIM, we are pursuing legal action against malicious posts related to the artist based on evidence collected through our own monitoring efforts, as well as reports submitted by fans.

In particular, since our notice was issued last November, we have seen a significant increase in active reports from fans. Utilizing these reports, we have proceeded with criminal complaints against authors of posts deemed to involve the dissemination of false information, insults, and sexually defamatory content. We sincerely thank the fans who took the time to cooperate for the protection of our artist.

Meanwhile, regarding malicious posts that used expressions such as “cult” or “pseudo-religion” toward the artist, the court has rendered and finalized guilty verdicts for defamation through false statements. Going forward, we will continue to respond firmly to ensure appropriate punishment for any posts that infringe upon the artist’s rights using similar expressions. Additionally, in some cases filed during the first half of the year, procedures progressed swiftly and resulted in decisions of non-indictment with suspension. For cases still under investigation, we will continue to respond actively to all illegal acts that infringe upon the artist’s rights, without any settlements or leniency, so that perpetrators are held legally accountable.

We would also like to provide an update on the investigation into deepfake-related crimes. As previously announced in the first half of the year, we have been working in close cooperation with investigative authorities regarding deepfake offenses. As a result, strong penalties are being imposed on individuals who produce and edit fabricated deepfake videos targeting our artists and distribute them through platforms such as Telegram. In one recent case, a prison sentence was issued, and in another, the defendant remains in custody while trial proceedings are ongoing. Even in cases involving overseas platforms that guarantee anonymity, such as Telegram, we will make every effort—through cooperation with police and international investigations—to track perpetrators to the end and ensure severe legal action is taken.

We continuously monitor malicious posts and comments targeting our artist—including the spread of false information, insults, and sexual harassment—across major domestic and international communities and portals (such as DC Inside, Nate Pann, Naver, Ilbe, MLB Park, FM Korea, Women’s Generation, Jjukbbang Cafe, Instiz, and Theqoo), music platforms (including Melon and Bugs), and social media channels (X, Instagram, YouTube, and others). Through our internal monitoring system, malicious content is collected in real time, and we note that even if posts are deleted, it remains possible to trace their authors.

If you come across malicious posts related to the artist, we ask that you actively report them through the HYBE Artist Rights Violation Integrated Reporting Site. We promise to hold those responsible fully accountable for malicious content targeting our artist.

We sincerely thank FEARNOT for your continued support and trust in LE SSERAFIM. Source Music will remain committed to protecting our artists’ rights through constant vigilance and action."