SM Takes Legal Action Against AI Deepfakes Targeting Yoona and Winter

SM Entertainment’s Escalating Legal Response

On September 28, SM Entertainment announced comprehensive legal measures targeting both the creation and distribution of unauthorized artificial intelligence-generated imagery of Lim Yoona and ongoing harassment campaigns directed at aespa’s member Winter. The announcements outlined the agency’s zero-tolerance approach and indicated that criminal complaints had already been filed against those responsible.

SM stated that recent monitoring and fan reports via “KWANGYA 119″—the agency’s official violation reporting system—had identified multiple cases of AI-manipulated content featuring Lim Yoona’s likeness being created and circulated without her consent. These images, along with false information based on them, have been spread primarily across social media platforms and online communities. Criminal complaints have been filed, and SM made clear that legal action will proceed “firmly without leniency or settlement.”

Illegal AI-Generated Content Targeting Lim Yoona

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SM provided detailed information about the specific violations involved in creating and distributing unauthorized AI-manipulated images of Lim Yoona. Creating or posting illegally manipulated content using artificial intelligence or other technologies without an artist’s consent constitutes a direct violation. However, SM emphasized that responsibility extends beyond the initial creator to anyone who shares, reposts, or redistributes such images.

Evidence Collection Through Dual Monitoring

SM has established two mechanisms for identifying and documenting violations. The first involves “KWANGYA 119,” where fans submit reports of violations they encounter online. The second operates through SM’s own monitoring systems, which conduct continuous surveillance of social media and online communities. Evidence collected through both channels is secured and documented before legal action proceeds. SM stated it will “continue to closely monitor such activities and take active legal action to protect the rights and reputation of our artists.”

Legal Warnings and Public Accountability

SM issued direct warnings to those involved in creating, posting, or distributing illegal AI-manipulated content or false information. The warning applies equally to those who share content through reposts and quote posts, include images in articles, or upload content to online communities. SM cautioned that individuals face legal consequences and urged them to “exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in any legal issues as a result of such activities.”

The agency reiterated that “those found to be responsible will face strong legal consequences under our zero-tolerance policy, without any leniency or settlement.”

Malicious Posts and Harassment Targeting aespa’s Winter

Separate from the AI-generated content issue, SM announced legal action addressing ongoing malicious posts about aespa’s member Winter. The agency described a pattern of posts containing false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment. These posts continue to circulate across multiple platforms despite ongoing concerns.

Following a thorough review by its legal counsel, SM indicated it will “proceed with legal action in stages, including filing criminal complaints.” This staged approach allows the agency to systematically address violations across different platforms and perpetrators.

Platforms Where Violations Continue

SM identified specific platforms where malicious content about Winter circulates:

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Instagram
• YouTube
• TheQoo
• Instiz
• DC Inside
• Women’s Generation
• Nate Pann

The agency stated it will respond “without exception to illegal activities carried out on anonymous forums and social media platforms beyond those mentioned above,” indicating that the list represents known hotspots rather than an exhaustive catalog of all offending platforms.

Zero-Tolerance Prosecution Policy

SM emphasized its commitment to pursuing legal action regardless of circumstances. The agency stated that “those found to be responsible will face strong legal consequences…without any leniency or settlement.” This policy applies consistently across all identified violations and perpetrators, with no exceptions for first-time offenders or unintentional participation in spreading harmful content.

Legal Framework and Applicable Violations

SM outlined the legal statutes that apply to the violations it is addressing. Sharing, reposting, or redistributing AI-manipulated images may violate the Information and Communications Network Act, which covers defamation and infringement of portrait rights. The Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes addresses editing and distribution of fabricated videos.

For the harassment campaign targeting Winter, SM specified that violations include the spread of false information, defamation, insults, malicious slander, personal attacks, and sexual harassment. Each stage of content creation and distribution—posting, reposting through quote posts on social media, inclusion in articles, and uploads to online communities—carries potential legal liability.

Cross-Border Investigation and International Scope

SM made explicit its commitment to pursuing perpetrators across geographic boundaries. The agency stated it will “secure the necessary evidence to identify the authors of the posts and trace how the content was created and circulated, and will request investigations by the relevant authorities.” This process involves working with international authorities when necessary to identify those responsible for content created outside Korea.

SM indicated that jurisdiction extends to “both Korea and abroad,” with the agency stating it will work to identify perpetrators regardless of where they operate. This suggests SM has invested in methods to trace and identify individuals even when they operate through anonymity shields or from foreign locations, then escalate findings to appropriate local authorities for prosecution.

The scope of SM’s investigation includes not only identifying the original poster but tracing the entire lifecycle of harmful content, including how it was created and how it spread across platforms.

Ongoing Monitoring and Sustained Legal Protection

SM positioned the September 28 announcements as an escalation within an ongoing process of legal protection rather than an isolated action. The agency stated it will “continue to strengthen our legal response to malicious posts in order to protect the rights and interests of our artists.”

Evidence collection continues through both the “KWANGYA 119” fan reporting system and SM’s own monitoring infrastructure. Through reports and direct monitoring, SM regularly collects and documents evidence of violations affecting its artists. The agency indicated this represents a sustained commitment rather than temporary enforcement.

SM’s announcements signal a shift toward more aggressive legal enforcement against online violations targeting its artists. The agency has established infrastructure to identify, document, and prosecute perpetrators across multiple platforms and international borders, with a stated policy of consistent legal consequences without exception or settlement.