"No settlement, no mercy" — HYBE and police team up to protect artists from deepfake abuse
HYBE has officially taken a firm stand against deepfake-related crimes — and the results are showing. A total of 8 suspects have been apprehended, with 6 already under arrest.
🔍 How they caught them: police collaboration + fan reports
On April 11, the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency revealed:
"We have arrested 8 individuals responsible for creating and spreading fake deepfake content targeting HYBE artists."
Of these, 6 operators of deepfake content-sharing groups — including Telegram chatrooms — were formally arrested.
This success was made possible through a tight investigation partnership between HYBE and the police, following an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed in February to combat deepfake crimes more aggressively.
🙌 Fans helped solve the case
HYBE emphasized that fan reports were crucial in locating the criminals. Since September last year, HYBE has run the "HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Center", which allows fans to flag harmful content.
Thanks to these reports, the company was able to quickly gather evidence and request official police investigation, which ultimately led to arrests.
🚨 "We'll keep tracking them down" — no escape for offenders
Gyeonggi Northern Police Commissioner Kim Ho-seung stated:
"Deepfake crimes against public figures are a serious violation of personal rights and mental well-being. We will continue to track and arrest offenders without hesitation."
HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang echoed this sentiment:
"HYBE has a zero-tolerance, no-settlement policy against any crimes that violate the image and dignity of our artists. We will keep monitoring, reporting, and pursuing legal action to prevent repeat offenses."
HYBE is sending a strong message: deepfake criminals won't get away with it. And fans? You're part of the solution. 💪
[Photo Credit: HYBE]