Squid Game Star Scammed for $350,000 in Elaborate Social Media Ploy

In a concerning incident, a woman in her 50s was scammed out of 500 million KRW (approximately $350,000) by individuals posing as South Korean actor Lee Jung Jae. The scammers contacted the victim via social media, claiming to be Lee Jung Jae and engaging her as part of a supposed fan interaction.

Over the course of 6 months, the perpetrators used AI-generated images and a counterfeit identification card to convince the woman of their authenticity. They sent fake photographs, including images allegedly from the filming of Squid Game 3 and the airport, and built a relationship using endearments like "honey" and "darling" to gain her trust.

The scammers initially demanded 6 million KRW for a meeting with the star, followed by further financial requests that ultimately resulted in a total loss of 500 million KRW for the victim. This case reflects a broader pattern of K-pop and K-drama fans being targeted by such social media scams, where impersonators leverage fabricated content and personal interactions to manipulate their victims.

Management agencies have strongly denounced these practices and declared intentions to pursue legal action against the impersonators. They have expressed a commitment to protecting both their clients and the fans, though Lee Jung Jae's team has not yet made a specific statement on this particular case.

Lee Jung Jae's global recognition following the success of Squid Game and his Hollywood debut in The Acolyte has increased fan engagement, making him a prime target for such impersonation schemes. His recent public appearances have kept him in the spotlight, further fueling the scammers' efforts.