100+ arrested in deepfake sexual exploitation case in South Korea
South Korean police arrested over 100 men who created and distributed non-consensual sexual deepfake videos of celebrities and private individuals on Telegram, with 23 chat room operators arrested and 13 sent for prosecution. Offenders used deepfake and voice-synthesis technology to create explicit videos targeting more than 100 victims including idols, actors, and internet broadcasters.
What happened
More than 100 men aged 10β30 were arrested for creating and distributing non-consensual sexual deepfake videos of female celebrities, actors, and internet broadcasters on Telegram. The Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency's Cyber Crime Investigation Division 2 arrested 23 Telegram chat room operators on suspicion of violations of child and youth sexual protection laws and special laws on sexual violence, with 13 sent for prosecution, and arrested about 60 additional chat room participants.
A 30-year-old identified as A created approximately 1,100 sexual deepfake videos targeting about 30 female celebrities between August 2024 and March 2025 and distributed them in private Telegram chats frequented by dedicated fans, some of whom used the videos to sexually mock the celebrities or take obscene photos using life-size cardboard cutouts at fan signing events. Another 30-year-old identified as B created about 150 deepfake videos targeting approximately 70 idols, actors, and internet broadcasters and also used artificial intelligence-based 'deepvoice' technology to make it appear celebrities were speaking vulgar language, with his chat room attracting about 360 members. A 20-year-old identified as C created about 300 sexual deepfake videos targeting middle school classmates and other private individuals shared in B's chat room.
Reported impact
Victims include over 100 female celebrities, actors, and internet broadcasters. Police noted that participants in chat rooms believed celebrity deepfakes would not be investigated by authorities or would receive only light punishment. The police chief stated that digital sexual crimes 'seriously destroy victims' daily lives' and constitute serious crimes.
Index analysis
Most of the arrested individuals were unemployed men in their 10s and 20s, including recipients of basic living allowances. They operated non-profit chat rooms while seeking recognition from members who called them 'μκ°λ' (writer/creator) and acted to satisfy their sexual fantasies and desire for acknowledgment.
Governance controls
Police used undercover investigations and international cooperation to detect the offenses during a concentrated enforcement period targeting deepfake sexual crimes. Police stated they are continuously monitoring Telegram and other platforms and plan to track down and arrest all chat room participants.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.