A man who created sexualized deepfake content using the faces of NewJeans members has been sentenced to a heavy fine.

On November 20, the Pohang branch of the Daegu District Court sentenced a 21-year-old defendant to a KRW 15 million fine for violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth (distribution of sexual exploitation material). He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

The offender produced deepfake photos and videos of NewJeans' Haerin, Hanni, and Minji at his residence in Pohang last January, manipulating the images to depict sexual acts and spreading them across social media.

The court stated that he distributed false sexual content through a Telegram channel, noting that "approximately 200 users had access, giving the channel high diffusion potential." The judge also cited the lack of forgiveness from the victims as a factor in sentencing.

ADOR previously announced on November 17 that the company is working closely with investigative authorities to root out deepfake crimes targeting its artists. They stated that recent settlement requests from offenders were rejected and that they had formally expressed the desire for strict punishment.

The agency also signaled stronger action against malicious online posts, explaining that rights violations against NewJeans have intensified and that criminal complaints will be filed against those spreading defamatory content.

Meanwhile, NewJeans lost their exclusive contract validity lawsuit on October 30. Haerin and Hyein officially returned to ADOR on November 12. Minji, Hanni, and Danielle also notified their intent to return through legal representation that same day, though final terms between both sides remain unresolved.