The signage for HYBE, the agency behind K-pop megastars BTS, is displayed outside the company’s headquarters in Seoul on August 13, 2024. Anthony Wallace, AFP
HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, said Wednesday it partnered with South Korean police to strengthen efforts against deepfake content featuring its artists.
In a statement, HYBE said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency to combat deepfake content targeting artists across its subsidiary labels in the Asia-Pacific region.
HYBE operates several labels housing a number of popular K-pop acts, including BigHit Music (home to BTS and Tomorrow X Together), Pledis Entertainment (SEVENTEEN) Belift Lab (ENHYPEN and ILLIT), and Source Music (Le Sserafim), among others. It also runs a Japan-based label that manages the boy group &Team.
HYBE Labels, explained: K-pop acts, their sub-labels
The agreement covers a dedicated hotline to report deepfake crimes and "expedited arrests" for offenders within South Korea, HYBE said.
"HYBE is steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of our artists in today’s digital age," CEO Jason Jaesang Lee said.
In 2024, several agencies issued statements vowing to take legal action against the creation of deepfake content depicting K-pop artists, especially female idols. These include leading companies such as JYP and YG Entertainment.
READ: K-pop agency vows 'strongest legal action' against deepfake videos
South Korea is the country most susceptible to deepfake porn, according to a 2023 report by cybersecurity startup Security Hero, with singers and actresses from the rising cultural powerhouse accounting for 53 percent of the individuals featured in the content it reviewed.
Activists say South Korea is plagued by an acute epidemic of digital sex crimes, including spycams and revenge porn, with inadequate legislation to punish offenders.
— With a report from Agence France-Presse
RELATED VIDEO