aespa's Karina and Winter deepfake creator sentenced to prison

A man identified only as Mr. A has been sentenced to prison for producing and selling deepfake videos featuring aespa members Karina and Winter.

On June 18, SM Entertainment announced that Mr. A, who created and sold the deepfake videos for profit, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

The First Criminal Division of the Daegu High Court also ordered Mr. A to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and imposed a seven-year employment restriction preventing him from working at institutions related to children and adolescents.

SM Entertainment added that it is continuing legal action against individuals responsible for malicious posts and comments targeting its artists. The alleged violations include the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, the Information and Communications Network Act, and the Framework Act on Telecommunications.

The agency stated that it continuously monitors reports from fans as well as major domestic and international online platforms, noting that it has already secured substantial evidence. It added that efforts are underway to identify anonymous users involved in illegal activities.

SM further emphasized that it will take a firm stance against malicious rumors, the spread of false information, sexual harassment, mockery, and the creation and distribution of distorted content, adding that it will pursue legal action without any leniency or settlements.