Korean Actor Victim of AI-Fabricated Scandal, Faces Reputation Damage

In a concerning incident last month, South Korean actor Lee Yi-kyung, known for his roles in 'Welcome to Waikiki' and 'Jirisan', found himself at the center of a viral online scandal. An anonymous blog post titled "Exposing the real Lee Yi-kyung" quickly gained traction, containing screenshots that allegedly showed sexually explicit conversations with the actor.

The post caused serious damage to Lee's reputation, but his agency, Sangyoung ENT, was quick to respond. In a public statement, the company condemned the "completely false" claims and confirmed that legal action was being prepared against those spreading the fabricated content.

The story then took an unexpected turn when the individual behind the post, identified only as "A", publicly admitted that the images were AI-generated and the entire incident "started as a joke." The person confessed to creating the fake screenshots using artificial intelligence tools and gradually believing the story they had made up.

It was further reported that the same individual had previously attempted to extort money from Lee's agency by emailing them with demands for payment in exchange for silence. Sangyoung ENT stated that it had refused the demand and warned of legal consequences, after which "A" issued an apology.

While it remains unclear if any formal criminal charges have been filed, the damage to Lee's reputation has been done. The actor was reportedly being dropped from a variety show due to the scandal.

This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-driven impersonation and deepfake technology, which can have serious reputational and financial consequences for public figures. As the entertainment industry grapples with these challenges, the need for robust legal and regulatory frameworks to protect individuals' rights and identities has become increasingly apparent.