AI Deepfake Scandal: K-Pop Star IU's Image Misused in Gambling Ads

The image of singer and actress IU has been misused in AI deepfake videos.

On the 7th, while scrolling through Instagram stories, a video suddenly appeared featuring IU on a gaming site account. In the video, IU was seen in a car holding a tablet PC, introducing a gaming app. The gambling site exploited IU's face using AI deepfake technology.

In the video, the AI version of IU claimed, "I'm tired of comments like 'Chicken Road is a scam. You can't make money here.'" She continued, "I just made 17 million won while talking," and "Look, it's real. Even I find it hard to believe," promoting the idea of earning large sums through the game.

The AI IU further stated, "For those curious, I'll show you one last time," adding, "If you open the Chicken Road app now, new users can receive up to a 3 million won bonus immediately," and "Those who have tried it are already earning," continuing the promotion.

The video was set to disable comments, and the bottom left corner of the video was marked 'Advertisement.' Searching for the account on Instagram showed it as non-existent.
The site didn't just misuse IU's image. Recently, actress Lee Honey and former Wonder Girls member Ahn Sohee were also created using AI deepfake technology. The AI version of Lee Honey exclaimed, "20 million won in 15 minutes? No way! It's true!" She added, "At a movie premiere, I saw people using certain apps, so I tried it," "I hit the jackpot on the lucky roulette," and "I bought whatever I wanted with the money I won."

A few days later, an AI version of Ahn Sohee appeared, saying, "I made over 25 million won with this app, but they still don't believe me," introducing the gaming site. The AI Ahn Sohee continued, "I received a 2.6 million won bonus right after depositing and made 5 million won. I bought a Benz with it. Download it and get your bonus. A jackpot awaits."

When Lee Honey's image was misused, it appeared as a post rather than a story, allowing comments. Netizens tagged Lee Honey's SNS account and her agency's account in the comments to directly inform them that her image was being used in a scam.

Using AI to spread false information can result in criminal and civil liability. If the content defames a specific individual, it can lead to up to 7 years in prison, up to 10 years of disqualification, or a fine of up to 50 million won under the Information and Communications Network Act. If the content is sexual, it can result in up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won under the revised Sexual Violence Punishment Act effective September 2024, and distributing it can lead to up to 7 years in prison.

Reporter Dayeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr