On April 10, 2026, SM Entertainment released a comprehensive statement detailing the progress of their ongoing legal crusade against the creators and distributors of illegal deepfake content.
The agency has been aggressive in its pursuit of those who have exploited their artists through the production of “fabricated obscene materials,” viewing these acts as grave criminal offenses that cause profound psychological harm and significant reputational damage.
By collaborating closely with investigative bodies and international legal experts, the agency has successfully seen numerous offenders brought to justice, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward digital sex crimes.
Finalized Prison Sentences for Key Offenders
The update revealed that a total of 12 individuals have been apprehended and sentenced for their involvement in deepfake-related crimes targeting SM artists.
These individuals were charged with violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, specifically regarding the distribution of fabricated videos.
While several defendants attempted to appeal their initial rulings, the courts have dismissed all appeals, officially finalizing their prison terms. The following specific sentences were highlighted in the agency’s report:
- Park: Sentenced to 4 years in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.
- Lee: Sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 40 hours of treatment.
- Go: Sentenced to 3 years in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 80 hours of treatment.
- Another Individual (Lee): Sentenced to 3 years in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 40 hours of treatment.
- Oh: Sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 40 hours of treatment.
- Cha: Sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, 5 years of employment restriction, and 80 hours of treatment.
In their official statement, SM Entertainment emphasized the severity of these crimes, noting:
“The creation, distribution, and possession of illegal fabricated obscene materials constitute not only malicious crimes that sexually humiliate and mock our artists, causing them severe distress, but also serious offenses that can lead to significant defamation and damage to their image by creating the false impression that the artist is actually involved.”
Global Cooperation and Future Legal Measures
Addressing the challenges posed by anonymous overseas platforms, SM Entertainment confirmed that they have expanded their reach by partnering with multiple law firms in the United States.
This international cooperation allows for the tracking and identification of perpetrators who believe they can hide behind the anonymity of foreign social media servers.
The agency credited platforms such as Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Discord, and DC Inside for their cooperation in providing the data necessary to apprehend these individuals “without exception.”
The agency also issued a stern warning to the public, urging caution as criminal penalties for the possession and distribution of deepfakes are being enforced with increasing strictness. They stated,
“As criminal penalties for the creation, distribution, and possession of deepfakes are being enforced very strictly, we urge everyone to exercise caution to avoid becoming involved in such unlawful activities.”
Moving forward, SM Entertainment pledged to continue its vigilant monitoring and legal action to protect the rights, dignity, and mental well-being of its artists, ensuring that all digital crimes are met with the full force of the law.
