A man identified only as Mr. A has been sentenced to prison for creating and selling deepfake videos featuring aespa members Karina and Winter. On June 18, SM Entertainment announced that the criminal received a prison sentence of two years and six months after producing and distributing the material for financial purposes. This case adds to the growing concerns surrounding digital crimes involving the unauthorized use of celebrities’ images, especially female entertainers.
A person who produced and sold deepfake videos of aespa's Karina and Winter has been sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, ordered to complete an 80-hour sexual violence treatment program, and banned from working at child and youth-related institutions for seven years. pic.twitter.com/VvyyHhFFy2
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) June 18, 2026
The First Criminal Division of the Daegu High Court also ordered Mr. A to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. In addition, the court imposed a seven-year employment restriction that prevents him from working at institutions involved with children and adolescents. The ruling openly expresses serious legal consequences for those involved in creating and profiting from harmful deepfake content.
SM Entertainment stated that they continue to monitor malicious activity targeting their artists through fan reports and major domestic and international online platforms. According to the agency, it has secured significant evidence related to violations that include the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, the Information and Communications Network Act, and the Framework Act on Telecommunications. The company also affirmed that it will continue taking strong legal action against those responsible for spreading false information, sexual harassment, mockery, and manipulated content without offering settlements or leniency.
