HYBE and Korean Police Team Up to Nab Deepfake Criminals Targeting Artists

In a major win for digital safety and artist protection, HYBE and the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency (NGPPA) have arrested eight individuals for producing and spreading deepfake videos featuring artists from HYBE MUSIC GROUP.

Six of the suspects were found to be operating Telegram channels specifically used to manufacture and share the fabricated content.

This operation stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between HYBE and NGPPA in February, aimed at cracking down on cybercrimes and shielding artists from online harm. Acting swiftly, HYBE provided key intelligence on the suspects, which helped authorities track, identify, and successfully detain them.

Fans played a powerful part too. Many leads came through the ‘HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Center,’ a fan-driven tipline launched last September. Their vigilance in flagging harmful content proved critical to the investigation.

HYBE CEO Jason Jaesang Lee reinforced the company’s no-tolerance policy, stating, “We will respond aggressively to any actions that violate our artists’ rights and reputations, and we won’t settle.”

He also emphasized HYBE’s ongoing partnership with law enforcement, promising continued legal action and tighter monitoring to eradicate such malicious activity.

NGPPA District Chief Ho-seung Kim echoed the urgency: “Deepfake crimes are growing fast and hit public figures particularly hard. These offenses can devastate lives, and we’re committed to pursuing and arresting those behind them.”